36 replies to this topic

[O.Sydney]

The March meeting of the Sydney Audio Club sees us once again at Dence Park for an afternoon of fine music and sound and convivial company.

Each month, the Sydney Audio Club presents the finest in high end audio systems for our members and guests. It's a bit like a private audio show once a month where you can hear and discuss equipment that you might not otherwise have the chance to audition. And you can bring along your own music to test the capabilities of the system or to just share with like-minded music lovers in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

This month we will have a wonderful system comprised of components from Lenehan Audio presented by Mike Lenehan himself, powered by Rotel amplification courtesy of Tony Wong from International Dynamics.

Mike is making the trip down from Queensland specifically for his presentation to the Sydney Audio Club. He’ll be bringing his new speakers, his new DAC plus various Lenehan cables:
• S2 6.5” standmount loudspeakers with dedicated stands
• ML1PlusR loudspeakers including stands
• Lenehan Audio RibbonTek loudspeaker cables and line level interconnects
• The new PDX valve DAC with asynchronous battery powered USB
• And… with any luck, Mike will have a pair of his brand new ML3 Reference speakers for us to listen. If so, it will be their debut!

Tony will be bringing in some excellent Rotel equipment to complement Mike’s gear:
• Rotel RB 1592 power – a massive stereo power amp, their most powerful
• RC 1580 preamp
• RCD 1520 CD Player

We will also have a modified Technics SL-1700 turntable on hand, courtesy of a Sydney Audio Club member:
• Rega RB-250 with Origin Live "Structural upgrade" (counter weight and stud), rewired with 1877 Phono litz wire from cartridge to RCA connectors on the back of the turntable
• Dynavector 17D3 low output MC cartridge and Kimber Tone Arm cable interconnect from turntable to phono pre-amp
• Dynavector P-75 phono amp running in "enhanced" (current input) mode with Kimber Hero interconnects from phono amp
• Boston Audio Mat 1 (graphite) turntable mat

As usual, the second half of the music sessions will be BYO. Members and guests are welcome to offer music to share with us all. So bring along your favourite vinyl or CDs discs to share. All we ask is that the music and recordings be interesting. We'll ask you to tell us a little about the artist/recording before it is played. Tracks over 6 minutes will be faded out, to give everyone a fair go.

Whether you are a novice or a seasoned veteran, you will have the opportunity to listen, learn and share your experiences with others of a similar mind.

Members and Guests welcome – we are a very friendly club so you don't need to know anyone to join us for an afternoon of fine music and sound. We will welcome you at the door.

Venue: Epping Creative Centre
Address: 26 Stanley St, Epping

Doors open 1pm
Meeting starts at 2pm

Best regards,

Tom Waters
President
Sydney Audio Club
www.sydneyaudioclub.org.au
tomwaters@sydneyaudioclub.org.au

[Drizt]

Very cool. I hope plenty of SNA members get along to this event and take plenty of pictures. Oh, and we look forward to reading your thoughts on the event.

[mikey d]

I'm really hoping to travel down the highway to enjoy some of this goodness on offer. I've never heard Mike's speakers & I would love to meet some other audio-nutters.

[LogicprObe]

Sounds interesting.
Good on Mike for making the trip down.

[Viognier]

Is there a secret SNA handshake I am not aware of or do we just drool more over the lovely gear? I am a member and have attended a few meetings. Would be good to know who the SNAers are.

[John H. Darko]

I might go.

[A J]

me too? - BYO rum ??

[O.Sydney]

Is there a secret SNA handshake I am not aware of or do we just drool more over the lovely gear? I am a member and have attended a few meetings. Would be good to know who the SNAers are.

Yes there's a secret handshake, it's asynchronous and jitter free

It would be good to meet a fellow SNA and club member...

[Nigel]

I went to one meeting and it was full of old guys, zimmer frames etc. I only recognised one SNAer, but I suspect there were few closet-types in the midst
(about 20 people). The room is quite large and the fullrange backloaded horn was struggling (distorting) playing too loud. I suspect Mike's speakers will do fine, especially if he realises/prepares for the room being about 20m x 10m. I think I'll go as Mike's speakers have a good rep and Rotel amps have always done the bizz. I suggest as a secret sign that SNAers wear their trousers/shorts backwards.

[O.Sydney]

I went to one meeting and it was full of old guys, zimmer frames etc. I only recognised one SNAer, but I suspect there were few closet-types in the midst
(about 20 people). The room is quite large and the fullrange backloaded horn was struggling (distorting) playing too loud. I suspect Mike's speakers will do fine, especially if he realises/prepares for the room being about 20m x 10m. I think I'll go as Mike's speakers have a good rep and Rotel amps have always done the bizz. I suggest as a secret sign that SNAers wear their trousers/shorts backwards.

That must have been one that I missed...
Their are some older gentlemen which is great, when I make it to the meets I see a number that appear under 35, with many around 40s, 50s. That includes me.

It may be that men don't appreciate the finer things until they are out of their 20s??

I won't be wearing my shorts on backwards... It will be good to meet with other SNA peoples at the meet, step right up...

[brownemi]

I went to one meeting and it was full of old guys, zimmer frames etc. I only recognised one SNAer, but I suspect there were few closet-types in the midst
(about 20 people). The room is quite large and the fullrange backloaded horn was struggling (distorting) playing too loud. I suspect Mike's speakers will do fine, especially if he realises/prepares for the room being about 20m x 10m. I think I'll go as Mike's speakers have a good rep and Rotel amps have always done the bizz. I suggest as a secret sign that SNAers wear their trousers/shorts backwards.

You will recognise Nigel, he will also have his undies on the outside.

[Headbanger]

Hopefully not inside out !!!

See you there

HB

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Tapatalk

[O.Sydney]

Don't forget to bring a track or two of your favourite music for the byo session !

[bhobba]

Hi Guys

Please accept my apologies for not being able to make it. My Canberra mate had a phone call and had to help a friend move some stuff.

Thanks
Bill

[Nigel]

Some obs from yesterday's meeting.
The ML3 (?) reference is a great speaker with sensational highs. I was superimpressed by the tweeter and that the passive crossover did not rob any energy, clarity.
I was surprised that a Peerless 8" has the responsibility for 40-3kHz, and did very well (mine is assigned to 40-200 only, hmmm maybe I should reconsider). The Peerless is not expensive, so it seems to show that the implementation (xo, cabinet) is more important than using super expensive drivers with a poorer implementation. Mike was very open with his knowledge, displaying the crossover. Showed me that my attempts are very amateurish.
Mike brought along an unopened cd and vinyl pack (same engineering master) and we compared a nice turntable set-up with a dac. Not sure of the makes/models of either, but this was an utter barsted, as Headbanger and I, who are committed to a future in digital music, both felt the sound from the tt was superior (more realistic and cohesive) the digital was not bad with a different FR, but less real.
One disappointing thing about the meeting was the fact that the best seating/listening position was probably an area of about 6-8 chairs and these were hogged by a bunch of 60 yr old deckhands. No concept of a song or 2, then let someone else sit there....30 or 40 people had to listen from the side. From that alone, I doubt I'll return, but i did learn somethings from Mike's presentation.
Funny, when I walked in Mike was discussing the Axiom 80 driver as one of the best driver's ever and that his friend in the Blue Mts (I don't know why I started gagging - OMG he's talking about the best system in the world..!!) his friend uses the Axioms fullrange for a wonderful result, "if you use midband music and not too loud", "or the driver will distort", and only play particular discs. These were my findings when I was held captive for an hour. But this was plain herecy, the best system in the world being denigrated like this. Still - open and honest.

[bhobba]

Hi Nigel

Great you liked the ML3 Reference and indeed the Morel Supreme it uses is regarded as one of the best conventional tweeters you can get - unfortunately with a price to match. Mike has done tons of comparisons with the bass driver he uses and really can't find anything significantly better which is why he uses them - at least that's what he told me.

Interesting comment about the TT. Was Mike using a PDX driven by a computer? That is a much tougher nut to crack. I have compared it to a couple of TT's and it bested every one - but they were not top of the line stuff. My suspicion from what people tell me is top of the line TT's are still top dog - unfortunately.

Anyway great to hear you, and hopefully others, enjoyed it, and heard ML3 References. I wish I was there but these things crop up from time to time.

Thanks
Bill

[mikey d]

Unfortunately I didn't have the energy to attend after a week of night shift as I would have loved to have heard Mike's speakers & DAC. But Bill, the tt looks like it was just a nice modded Technics with decent ancillaries. Quite modest really, nothing esoteric or top of the line there. I was wondering how the new Rotel gear worked too. Hope everyone had fun.

[Nigel]

The PDX was there and mostly handled streaming. The comparison test was TT vs a cd, so whether a transport fed the PDX, I can't be sure, but most likely.
Something about the cd sound reminded me of my system, in some way. Good, but something not quite right (or "as right" as the tt sounded).

[O.Sydney]

Hi Guys

Please accept my apologies for not being able to make it. My Canberra mate had a phone call and had to help a friend move some stuff.

Thanks
Bill

No worries Bill, we did look out for you !

[O.Sydney]

A pic of members and guest at yesterdays' meeting, with Tom giving a short intro talk
 P1050832-3.jpg   95.83K   249 downloads

Mike proudly with his new ML3's
 P1050839-3.jpg   32.22K   258 downloads

I've got more pics, which I'll look through later and post, particularly of the ML3

O.Sydney

Edited by O.Sydney, 23 March 2012 - 10:52 AM.

[wolster]

OMG!!
Looks like Nigel is looking for a decent turntable.

[Headbanger]

I thought Mike was pretty brave to compare his digital equipment PDX/Macmini ... with a properly setup turntable. The comparison was "Showbiz Kids" performed by Rikki Lee Jones (originally Steely Dan) on a virgin 45rpm LP with 2 tracks on one side of 180gsm vinyl packaged with the CD on comparison. So audiophile vinyl vs std CD. Plus & minus for both, but I did prefer the vinyl version. Maybe after 10 plays it would be a different decision & certainly against the same track at 24/96 instead of 44.1/16 could be different as well. But I do have a digital setup & could be considered biassed.

As Nigel stated earlier the ML3s treble is very nice & Mike's crossover construction is overkill by usual commercial construction standards - all inductors air cored with lots of thick copper & decent (& expensive) caps . No dynamics reduction here. Certainly worth putting on the shortlist when compared to some over priced imports. Mike, hope these are successful for you.

Oh & BTW, Nigel did not have his pants on back to front or inside out but I still recognised him !!!

HB

Edited by Headbanger, 12 March 2012 - 10:03 PM.

[Juicester]

That must have been one that I missed...
It may be that men don't appreciate the finer things until they are out of their 20s??

nah, we're just significantly poorer and can't afford the finer things... hope it all went well!

[mr-happy-pants]

Some obs from yesterday's meeting.

Great to read your obs Nigel, it seems:

The Lenehan speakers are up to it
Vinyl is supreme
Old bar-studs are just old bar-studs & don't wanna share
Axiom drivers can sound OK if you use midband music and not too loud (or the driver will distort), and only play particular discs

Come to think of it, I already knew all that

Bathurst is less than 7 months away!

Graham

[Jehuty]

Great to read your obs Nigel, it seems:

Axiom drivers can sound OK if you use midband music and not too loud (or the driver will distort), and only play particular discs

You might have lost your hearing if you often listen to louder what the Axiom drivers can put out (97dB) for a prolong period of time. I suspect that's why some people are having a hard time to hear both low and top ends of the Axiom drivers.

[Drizt]

You might have lost your hearing if you often listen to louder what the Axiom drivers can put out (97dB) for a prolong period of time. I suspect that's why some people are having a hard time to hear both low and top ends of the Axiom drivers.

The lows and high's arent much chop ?

[Nigel]

Hi Drizt, it's cause the bass is missing, the treble is modulated and rolled off.

[Drizt]

Hi Drizt, it's cause the bass is missing, the treble is modulated and rolled off.

That's unfortunate

perhaps adding subs and tweeters would help?

[rantan]

Is that one of those speakers that have only 3 problems?
1. No bass
2. No mid-range
3.No top end

[Drizt]

Is that one of those speakers that have only 3 problems?
1. No bass
2. No mid-range
3.No top end

Sounds like 1 & 3 are the issues

[Nigel]

Hi D,
their claim to fame is as a full-range driver and so long as you don't want the extremes and don't g ocrazy loud, they are a great solution - no crossover! got ot be a good thing.

[ozmillsy]

Whether you are a novice or a seasoned veteran, you will have the opportunity to listen, learn and share your experiences with others of a similar mind.

Members and Guests welcome – we are a very friendly club so you don't need to know anyone to join us for an afternoon of fine music and sound. We will welcome you at the door.

Hi Tom,

Sounds like it was a good event.

If I can make the next one, I will. I'm sure the old timers up the front would have no problem sharing the sweet spot, if they were asked nicely.

[chefscuba70]

If I can make the next one, I will. I'm sure the old timers up the front would have no problem sharing the sweet spot, if they were asked nicely.

Hi ozmillsy,

would be great if you could attend a meet, will be good to catch up. We'll try to save you a good spot but you usually need to get in early to secure one in the front.

Last meet was the most attended I had seen, so not enough chairs were set up and alot of late comers just grab a spot on the side.

[O.Sydney]

Hi Tom,

Sounds like it was a good event.

If I can make the next one, I will. I'm sure the old timers up the front would have no problem sharing the sweet spot, if they were asked nicely.

Hi ozmillsy,

would be great if you could attend a meet, will be good to catch up. We'll try to save you a good spot but you usually need to get in early to secure one in the front.

Last meet was the most attended I had seen, so not enough chairs were set up and alot of late comers just grab a spot on the side.

Hi, club members usually wear name tags, so instead of some of the suggestions in previous posts I might mark my name tag.

I’m sure there are many dual SNA & SAC members.

As chefscuba70 said, come along to the next meet Ozmillsy, I'm sure it will be great but I'm actually looking forward to the after that too!

O.S

007 images in this post are not mine (gremlins and other lost bits and bytes)

Edited by O.Sydney, 22 March 2012 - 07:00 PM.

[O.Sydney]

Now that I'm back in town, here are some more pics from the meet.

 P1050827-2.jpg   129.21K   176 downloads  P1050828-2.jpg   118.89K   215 downloads  P1050829-2.jpg   74.75K   209 downloads  P1050830-2.jpg   90.05K   201 downloads  P1050831-2.jpg   149.37K   196 downloads

As you can see it's quite a big room
 P1050834-2.jpg   98.86K   164 downloads

Edited by O.Sydney, 23 March 2012 - 01:36 PM.

[mr-happy-pants]

Great pics!

[datafone]

Mike needs a haircut