The Fall 2013 New York Head-Fi Meet, an Audio360.org Show Report
Tuesday, November 12th, 2013
by Frank Iacone
New York Head-Fi members gathered together for their Fall 2013 headphone meet at the Adria Hotel in Bayside NY this past Saturday, November 9th.
The event was well attended, the room completely filled with approximately 70 members. Many new faces joined us as well as long time veteran members who attend the meets regularly. The turnout was exceptional and we had some very interesting vendors and guests who helped to make this event a memorable one.
The day started for me at 5:30AM with my drive to get to the meet. I arrived at 7:45 to setup my gear and then enjoyed meeting the new members and seeing some familiar faces - great people whom I only see twice a year.
The potpourri of gear shown and shared ranged from the very exotic to the portable every day rigs we all use and love.
Woo Audio's WA234 pushed the boundaries of what is possible and represented the very top in high-end design in amplification, and the new and exciting Audeze X headphones made their NY debut.
There were products from DNA (Donald North Audio) and Cavalli Audio at the meet, as well as the exciting new products from Schiit Audio. Burson and Woo Audio had many of their products in use.
The day was filled with excitement, and Jack Wu who bought all the members some excellent NY pizza for lunch. The day concluded at 4pm and a few members went to the Bayside Diner for Dinner. The day went by too fast.
DIY was in abundance at the NY meet, accounting for some off the most exciting and unique set-ups as well.
Dan Clark was setting up the Cavalli Liquid Glass Amplifier to showcase his Alpha Dog closed headphone. Dan always has a big smile on his face and is a super supporter of Head-Fi meets.
HiFiMAN had their amplifier driving their HE400, HE500 and HE6 headphones.
Jack Wu was showing Woo's WA234 mono-blocks.
Head-Fi Member Decur, traveling down from Massachusetts, listening to the hD800 on the Woo WA5 balanced with a moon Black Dragon cable. Dean always makes the trips and is always great company.
Kerry showing off his latest electrostatic amplifier built for Stax Headphones.
Mullet salivating over the AKG K1000 on the Woo WA5 with Dave Derek looking on.
Steve Guttenberg from CNET (center), and Jonathan Scull from Scull Communications (right, seated) were in attendance looking at the not-so-silent auction to help defer room costs.
The Mod Wright BDP 105 was smoking. Transparency and finesse was very noticeable.
Head-Fi Member Joe brought a table full of goodies, including another pair of AKG K1000, a vintage pair of Grado Headphones, a Parasound Zamp and a Teac UD-5001.
The HD 800 was fully balanced using the XLR jack of the Woo WA5. Shocking results. The HD 800 had more resolution and better transparency. The HD800 liked the additional power and sounded excellent.
Tyler with his DIY electrostatic headphones that sounded very transparent, musical with great detail. They reminded me of Sennheiser's HD 90.
The $15,900 WA234 monoblocks with a $5,600 Abyss headphone mesmerized Head-Fiers all day long.
The DNA Sonnet with the WA7 and Dan Clark's Mad Dog Headphones were making some very nice sounds.
NikonGod conducting the not-so-silent auction.
My brother John, attending his first ever Head-Fi meet, was listening to the LCD-3 on a Woo WA7. He also liked the WA234 with the Abyss headphone, but preferred the sound and fit of the LCD-3 over the Abyss.
Vinnie Rossi From Red Wine Audio and George Lenz from EML were two vendors present and very involved with the meet.
The support from the Headfi community is as strong as ever. All of the vendors who supported the meet were very much appreciated, and it was fun to have some new and exciting guests see what our community is all about.
Mullet stepped up and did an outstanding job of organizing this meet. Scot took the bull by the horns when no else wanted to step up. Job well done, and thanks to everyone for making the day very special.
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