agile_one

Here's what I posted over on hf - very sanitized. moar to come for hc eyes only ... Another great NorCal meet! Thanks, Al for all the hard work of organizing after jp had to bail to the east coast for job move, and even more thanks for hosting the Florida travel team over a fun filled weekend. First off, here is the hands down, no argument best of show. Frank Cooter and his exquisite hand built amp. Just incredible from any angle - workmanship, aesthetics, or sound from the HE-5s or K1000. Some other impressive rigs, in no particular order, and the people behind them … Craig Uthus (talking with Grahame) and the beautiful Eddie Current gear MikeyMad and the versatile Woo 5 that drove everything, including K1000 and Stax OIIs (via SRD 7). Ironbutts great tape rig that always is a show stopper Ti's (AMB) table that was over the top as usual The AMB Gamma vs DAC1 dac-off Amphead linuxworks pron FallenAngel (Pavel) had amazing diy gear, and single handedly made the raffle a success by donating two beautiful amps he has good taste in purchased gear, too BigGuy and family Voltron was insane as usual with the Mac mini Amarra rig feeding the Luxman P-1 and beautiful new Woo Audio electrostatic rig. NightWoundsTime and I can attest to the meticulous build quality and attention to detail that the Woo family put into their gear, because we unpacked the 2 big wooden shipping crates the beast was shipped in - custom foam padding, and each piece down to single screws bagged and labeled - impressive. More to follow ...

Happy Birthday, Naaman. Enjoy the day.

Knuckledragger ... the IR shots are beautiful. Amazing how seeing familiar scenes though a different filter gives new, interesting perspective. Almost makes me want to pick up an old body and convert it to IR just for the fun of it. Or I guess I could get some IR film for the old Spotmatic or Nikon F I have sitting in my drawer.

Not bloody likely.

So sad ... trying to make up for not getting to the NorCal meet and weekend festivities by the bay. hmmmmm ... I think Bill Frisell was playing that night, too.

rofl ... same story down here, and it's gets worse when it's a Porsche Audi dealer under the same roof.

Congrats, Al ... looking forward to seeing and hearing these at the NorCal meet on Sat. My take on the aes/ebu on the cable is that it qualifies as digital cable with 110 ohm impedance.

Happy Bearthday, Dan!

Close, but no ceegar, Alex. Mike wants a balanced loop out (tape monitor, whatever), and that only has the balanced pre out. Nice bunch of balanced inputs, though.

Win! Al, if you don't like them, Younger and I will buy from you and carry east. The SoFL - SFO Axis is strong.

HB to HC, and for many moar to come.

Colin .... Happy Birthday, and have a great day.

Happy Birthday, Steve.

I'm a Nikon shooter, but since you've used and are (presumably) happy with Canon from p&s days, you are in luck, because Canon has just announced the Rebel T2i (aka 550D in Europe). By all reports, it should be a great camera because it brings many advanced features from Canon's pro and prosumer models down market. List price is $899. for body + 18-55 IS (Image Stabilized) lens kit. Available in March, so you'll need a bit of patience. Gizmodo article that includes Canon press release. DPReview preview. Amazon pre-oredrs.

Happy Birthday, Stephen. Enjoy the day.

Calling reks, knife sale in aisle 5 ... Shun Kaji Fusion 8-Piece Knife Block Set at WOOT.

Dan ... just remember that miracles have happened in Lake Placid. Ok, not for you, you're over, but maybe for your kid with the hockey stick. The next Ovechkin?

Mike ... I cannot believe this has dragged on this long without ... 1. you buying at least three candidates and discarding two by now. 2. no one suggesting one of the early preamp-processors from the likes of Anthem, Proceed, Theta, Cary, etc. Those things have beaucoup of balanced in-outs, and most are based on excellent stereo preamps. I can vouch for the Proceed PAV or AVP, having owned them. They are from Madrigal and have Levinson guts. Easily available sub $1000 and readily resold should you not like. Most have the connections you need (may need to do a home theatre pass through to get your balanced loop out), and are rock solid performers.

Happy Birthday, Jeff ... have a great day.

Big, black, and cheap ($76). Invicta Russian divers @ World of Watches daily deal: WorldofWatches Daily Watch Deal Steal good for only 24 hours

Billie Holiday on Verve

Indeed. I missed the "content delivery device" bit in Steve's presentation, so glad Ricky elaborated on it.

I sold my 16gb Touch in anticipation of the iPad (yes, I guessed the name correctly), and am not disappointed. In fact, I am giddy with anticipation, and will get at least the 32gb version as soon as Apple makes them available. I have a cheap cell phone for communication, multiple cameras for images or video, but nothing that is small, portable, and functional for web surfing, emailing, music and video playing, and ebook reading, which is what the iPad is all about. I am down with Steve on this one.

Damn, Al, that's what I call stocking the cabinet. Really intrigued by these ... Giddyup!

Happy Birthday, Dommie ... gotta repeat Al's clock