Many of our programs feature raffles of numerous Classical & Jazz CD's, LP's and accessories. At only $1.00 per ticket quite a bargain!!!
This program hosted by San Francisco professional recording engineer Joshua Redman will feature a live session of Piano and Voice captured in 24bit/44/48kHz format. This in a state-of-the-art studio with same-session playback to compare recorded-vs-live in this emerging and fascinating format. One that is garnering positive acclaim in many audiophile circles. More program details later. Directions are usually sent to our members via E-Mail or Postcard. If you would like to be a guest at this program, please send us an E-Mail.
The Silicon Valley Audio Club hosted a listening session and Q & A seminar featuring Sedrick Harris of Melos Electronics. Since the new tube hybrid 24BIT/96kHz Audio DVT- DVD/CD player was unavailable at the last minute due to shipping problems, we used the phenominal Panasonic A-310 multipurpose DVD/CD/24/96 DVD-Audio player. A pair of Von Schweikert VR 4.5 loudspeakers were also effectively sourced via pair of Melos MAT 1000 monoblocks and Maestro preamp. Other items included McCormack Siganture CD player and Parasound HD-1000 D/A converter. The real showcase of the afternoon were a dozen or more 24/96 DVD-AUDIO recordings (compliments of Bob Levi) that in large part were marvels to behold (we'll provide a full listing of these at our first opportunity). In any case it was a wonderous afternoon of great listening and plain 'ol fun with music loving friends. Something to be long remembered and unamiously conclude that 24/96 is for real, the most "analog" sound we've ever heard from a digital source. Many thanks to all of the generous guests and SVAC members who provided equipment.
David Benoit's Minutes of the February 21, 1999 meeting of the Silicon Valley Audio Club Business Meeting:
The newest member of the Society, Alan Helrick, was recognized. He will be the local representative of several high-end audio products including Thor, Karma, and MBS.
Bob Levi suggested that the Society sponsor our first anniversary observance party. It would include a nice dinner, live music, and a speaker from the audio field. Bob and other members will follow up on this suggestion, which everyone seemed to like. There would be an admission fee per couple/guest.
The program highlighted products from the newly reorganized Melos Technologies Corporation now headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. The business side of the "new" Melos is composed of fresh personnel, but the original designer of Melos gear, Mark Porzilli, has been retained as their Chief Design Engineer. Melos specializes in electronics with tubes, including preamps, power amps, and even a tube DVD player (the DVT).
Sedrick Harris, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, presented the Melos equipment. He briefly described the new lineup of products, and had brochures for everyone to take home. The equipment featured in this program was the Maestro preamp, which retails for $2295, and the MAT 1000 monoblock amplifiers which retail for $10,000 a pair. The MAT 1000's each put out 400 watts of power with class A operation up to a certain level (appx. 80 watts).
Other equipment that was loaned by Audio Club members included the Panasonic A310 DVD player (John Cooledge), Von Schweikert VR 4.5 speakers (Steve Harris), and a Parasound DA converter, McCpormack Signature CD player, and cables (Chuck Bruce and Steve Harris). The SVAC would like tothank all of these folks for loaning their equipment for this event.
Bob Levi, with the help of "DJ" Chuck Bruce, spun some Chesky, Classic, and other labels' 24/96 CD's using the Panasonic DVD player as source. A selection of jazz, classical, and vocal selections were listened to. Many members were surprised that such good sound can come from a "consumer" priced source component costing $500 retail and using its internal 24bit/96kHz DAC's. Of course, the high quality electronics and speakers had a lot to do with it also. One piece of classical music even got applause at the end!
Ala in all, guite a music lovers program and much enjoyed by all, especially Bob Levi's extensive 24/96 DVD-Audio collection.
We are hosting a live recording session featuring the 18 member Stanford University Cello Choir conducted by Hurbert von Karajan. We will also have a Soprano sing with the group, this should add even more interest to the performance and recording. This is a great opportunity for SVAC members to hone their recording skills. Members are invited to bring any recording gear they may have digital and/or analog. After the 2 PM (appx. 55 min.) performance in the main auditorium, we will move to our regular meeting room and replay the recordings on a quality audio system provided by Legacy Audio. Equipment will include Legacy's new monoblock amps, Focus loudspeakers, new D/A processor and other goodies. Stay tuned for more details. Guests welcome - light refreshments served.
Several SVAC members have voluteered to host this year's Open House to show off their systems. Find out more about our hosts' systems this year on the next issue of SVAC newsletter. Make sure you call the hosts to reserve a spot!
Once again we feature our famous & fun Home Theater and Historic Cinema program. A variety of HT and Audio products including a PC controlled "CD Jukebox". Meridian's latest processors including "Trifield" 3-channel playback of true 18bit DSP tracks from DVD and demos of 96/24kHz audio playback will also be presented by Andy Regan of Meridian. We plan to host this years program in a larger venue so everyone can enjoy the action simulteanously. And once again we'll feature guest speakers Dr. Gary Lemco, Cinema Educator and Sam Patton owner of "Blast off Video". These humorous and informed Cinema Scholars will narrate clips of famous and obscure examples of acting, directing, style and production that are benchmarks of the art. The program will be hosted by Terri & Randy Massey of Electronic Home Consultants at the San Jose ModernArts Center, 1000 Fisrt St, San Jose - (Loc. 1 - mi. West of Piedmont RD. & the Lindberg MARTA Station) - 408-231-0504. The program will be held in the ADA Auditorium to accommodate a large audience. Guests welcome, light refreshments served.
Dr. Tommy J. Anderson & Fred Horton of ACA Digital will conduct a program of how to achieve the best bass response from your listening room, Satellite / Subwoofer integration and other tips to achieve the best sound from your audio system. These superb, professional recording engineers and producers will share samples of their latest on-site recordings to wow attendees.
This program will feature some of the most incredible low-frequency program material heard anywhere outside of actual performance venues. This compliments of Fred Horton of ACA who is taping large Pipe Organs from both St. Philips Cathedral and Spivey Hall, both famous San Francisco area venues noted for their "low pedal", 16Hz energy. We are making arrangements with Servodrive -Subwoofers of Northbrook IL, a professional sound house world famous for their incredible subwoofers including the "Contrabass", a pair of which will be featured in the program. These subwoofers feature pairs of active 15" drivers, augmented by pairs of 18" passive radiators in each enclosure. Serious business here- wimps need not apply! Don't miss this one, should be a real fun gut buster, plus the usual great music compliments of our friends at ACA... ' Cause after all, its about the Music...
Location: TBA.
We plan to host our annual members, spouses, significant others and guests over 18 Pot Luck Picnic. It's always a lot of fun and fellowship, plus ample good eats too... Location TBA.
Featuring Joule Electra Tube amplification, President & Chief Designer Jud Barber & Merlin Loudspeakers - 2-5:00 PM. Location TBA.
We also plan to host our annual Holiday Live Music Fest featuring Pianists Heide Rice and friends in early DECEMBER 1998. Time, Date & Loc's TBA. Stay tuned for more info...