RMAF 2017

Dear reader, please stop for a second to imagine how I could go from the above-mentioned MSB room to the $500 setup without feeling pain.

During my brief audition, this new, 6922 tube-equipped Stax amplifier played smother, slightly fuller, a little lusher, and, less electrostatically…

Vana Ltd. had two rooms at RMAF. Both rooms had stereo systems set-up, but the first room I entered was filled by a hoard of standing, chattering people of all sexes. It looked like they were making big business deals so I decided to not eavesdrop or interrupt. However, the sound of music coming from the Vana room next door was inviting. I slipped in and was greeted warmly by Nancy Weiner and Audio Physic's Manfred Diestertich.

Sunday afternoons at audio shows are when the good sound is just kicking in. The rooms' components have recovered from the trauma of travel and are starting to purr. Unfortunately, that's when the toys go back in the boxes. That is also when this humble reporter looks like he's been dragged behind a car.

And this Sunday, just when I thought I was done being dragged, I get this mad call from an out-of-breath Jason Victor Serinus, saying, "Herb! Get your ass up to room 1125 (the Parasound-Tekton room). The sound is amazing, and you must listen to this speaker. Hurry up!"

Fortunately, in a world of darkness, there is still light. And by light, I mean: hi-fi.

Overheard in the hallway:
"Babe, can you please buy me that cable?"
"But I just bought you so much for your birthday…!"
And just like that, day two begins.

Day three began with me feeling sick and beaten down. I needed to pay a visit to the doctor. Dr. Vinyl. (But also probably a real doctor, too.) Jose Ramirez (aka Dr. Vinyl) always knows how to make his listeners feel at ease.