And Then They Drive Really Fast in a Circle
John Atkinson and Jonathan Scull handicap this year's F1 season. You didn't think they were this animated about audio, did you?
HE 2006
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Amanda Sweet!
Wasn't she just in the background of John and Stephen's picture? We posed her next to the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet's Spin and she really lit up. It's an impressive sounding SACD—and the group is playing at HE2006 tomorrow. Did I mention the concert was free?
Stephen and John Smile For the Camera
Stephen Mejias and John Atkinson take a few minutes in the hall to catch up on the day's events. That's Telarc's Amanda Sweet in the background.
Channel Islands Audio New Products
Close up of the PLC•1 preamp (top) and one of the D•400 monoblocks.
Channel Islands Audio / Von Schweikert Audio
California manufacturer Channel Islands Audio brought two new products to the show: the $895 PLC•1 passive preamp with remote and the $4,500/pr D•400 class-D power amps. Also in the room were the Von Schweikert Audio VR-5SE speakers ($18-22k depending on finish). Sound in the modest hotel room was surprisingly spacious and well-balanced. Left to right in the photo: Albert Von Schweikert, CIA's Dusty Vawter and Greg Schug.
Lipinski Sound
Lipinski Sound's Scott Levitin (left) and Lukas Lipinski
Lipinski Powered
Speaker manufacturer Lipinski Sound was on hand with their surround demo and a new product: The 3601 Powered Stand. Each 3601 sports a two channel amp that can be bridged to be used as a 600 watt monoblock, or set to biamp either a 505 or 707 speaker. Lukas Lipinski says that the powered stands can also be used with other speakers, and have been referenced against other well-known amps. Price is $2,595 each. A quick demo with several types of music proved impressive, even in the confines of a hotel room.
Registration Almost Ready
Here's a shot of the registration booth which will greet visitors as they enter the hotel. Registration is available at the show, and attendees can buy tickets for the special events here as well.
Vendor Setup Day
The day before the show and the vendors are busy setting up. Here's a shot of Music Direct's Michael Grantham and Mobile Fidelity's Coleman Brice unpacking boxes full of discs both analog and digital.
Stereophile Staff Arrives
Since we're spread around the country, the only time we meet in person is usually at a show. Hanging out by the Sheraton's pool are Jason, John and Jon.