Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Matt, sorry to have to use your thread to respond.

Hi Matt. I am going to ask you to add another DAC to your comparisons. But you will not have to pay any money. Meitner MA-1 DAC
Explanation below.

Two of my Audio buddies, who have a lot of experience in Audio have had a chance to compare the DS to several other DACs, one being the Meitner, in more then one system.

Lets just say you need to do the same. One of those friends you and I both know and I am sure he would be willing to bring his Meitner over for you to compare.

My suggestion is to compare the other DACs first and get your one or two favorites and then compare it/them to the Meitner.

Also the Meitner has out performed a Lampizator L4 DSD only DAC and a Phasure DAC. Those two I heard for myself.

The Phasure gave a good fight and lost by only the smallest of margins.

A higher level/newer Lampizator DSD might make a difference.

All of the above was by more then one set of ears.

OK Gary/Goper, lets get some things straight and clear the air.

1) YOU NEVER told me it was a very early prototype or that it was not supposed to be demoed by anyone and not a commercial DAC. I would have told you not to bother as I would have no clue what it would ultimately sound like.

I requested a DSD DAC that I could evaluate AND also have heard by fellow Club Members and at an up coming Club meeting. Weeks earlier when Luksz was at one of our meetings, from my invite, we discussed with him about coming back in January so we could dedicate a whole meeting to the Lampi.

The Lampi you sent me came much later then you had said I should expect it, I had to email you several times for updates. When it finally did arrive I started to have MAJOR health issues, which I have just started to finally get some relief from, I hope.

Because that DAC had NO volume control/preamp functions I informed you that I could not evaluate it in my system as I had no preamp. So I requested one with a preamp function.

2) That is also when I informed you that if you can get me a replacement ASAP it would be used at the upcoming Club Meeting that was about digital audio.
You were very gracious to offer your brand new DAC and had it sent to me. I also extended in invite to you to the Club meeting so you could be there to make sure all went well.
You also informed me that there may be an issue when first setting it up and to call your tech guy if needed.

Yes, I never took your DAC out of the box. I really felt uncomfortable using your personal DAC and since the host for the meeting had a preamp we could use the DSD DAC. So we did use the DSD only DAC at the meeting and it was liked by about half the club. Not a bad showing for a (unknown to be) early prototype DSD DAC.

Because I was getting sicker and I had no way of knowing when I would have a good day or bad it took me a a little longer then I would have liked to return it. But it was not long by any means. And I did mention to you that I was not feeling very well.

I even mentioned to you that what I heard with Lukasz was so great but that what I heard at the Club meeting was good but just did not sound the same as with Lukasz. I asked you could there be something wrong with the DAC.
Not once did you say that it was an early prototype, as that might have explained it in my mind.

As an example as how bad I have been the last several months, I have not made any of the two Clubs meetings I belong too for the last six months until two weeks ago. I have also been on a leave of absence from work as it is very difficult to leave the house on most days.

Gary, if you had a beef with me you have my email and cell. All you had to do is talk to me.

And what is so wrong in with my posts?? You NEVER stipulated that I could NOT post my impressions or my fellow Club Members.

Is it that you want NO BAD/MEDIOCRE/WHATEVER impressions of the Lampi?!

Lets get something straight for not just you but for everyone.
I CALL THEM AS I SEE THEM. I HAVE NO ALLEGIANCE OR AFFILIATION TO ANYONE. IF AND WHEN I DO I WILL DISCLOSE IT.

BUT I DO RESPECT WHEN SOMEONE REQUESTS NONDISCLOSURE.

When finale thought. If I some how misunderstood you Gary I whole heartedly apologize.

Alright, one more finale thought. I still hope to hear a PCM/DSD Lampizator DAC with preamp function (not a top of the line one)in a worthwhile system. I epect to over the next few weeks/months, health willing. I would love to confirm the great sound I heard that day that Lukasz played his DSD only DAC at the end of our Club Meeting last fall.

Winson, I have an update on the Meitner vs Phasure.

"Strange that HiFiAL says that the Meitner beat the Lampi DSD-Dac, when Bruce Brown said it beat his reference MPD5 (Playback Designs). I also concur after listing to both extensively"

Since my post about the above months ago I have found out why the Meitner did so poorly vs the Phasure. I also have had a chance to hear them both vs each other in two different systems, but one being the original system I first heard them in.

I will post my update in a few days

Gary, thanks for your reply and understanding. But again prior to my postings I was never informed that the DSD DAC I had was a prototype. If I had been informed of that I would have not even bothered to try it, either at the Club meeting or anywhere else. What would be the point. And I sure as hell would have mentioned it on my postings if I had known it was a prototype.

Yes, you did mention that it had base caps and that the better caps would sound better but this was after the meeting not before. There was no mention that it was a prototype and we discussed that maybe it had an issue and you would check on it. I even dropped it off at your repair center for you. I said I would still like an opportunity if you could find one with what I needed for my system (PCM/DSD/preamp/Balanced). I never heard back from you. THIS is the FIRST time I am hearing all this. And it EXPLAINS a lot, possible, I hope. I would have NEVER wrote about what I had heard if I was TOLD it was a PROTOTYPE. What would be the point. The reason for you sending your DAC was the issue about the lack of a preamp section. That was the mix up.

Maybe you thought you mentioned it, but no you did not. Remember you were very busy because of CES so you might have planed to mention it but never got to me about it.

Lets just agree that there was miscommunication and leave it like that.

But I must add to that the EMM LABS was an older model I have since been informed.

I will have an opportunity to hear a Lampi against a current Meitner sometime soon. So the Lampi will have a chance to redeem its self in my ears. And I have high hopes for it seeing NOW I know the other one was a prototype.

Sorry Matt. I just saw your request. DONE.

OK. But keep in mind that I have just purchased a MA-1 and if need be would be happy to loan it to you once the new firmware update has been released.

Your more then welcome Matt. Knowing what a great guy Merrill is I am sure he will be willing to loan his MA-1 to you again. But if the timing is off for you just let me know.

Now you've done it Matt. Every red blooded Audiophile on the planet will now HAVE to own a Flockazinga (I hope I spelled that right).

I don't know about the rest of you but I already paid for mine, before the line gets to long. I went for the sweet spot, the one in the middle. I only have to wait 8.375 years. So you better oder yours before the wait is forever.

But seriously this is a great thread and you are doing a super job. Thanks.

Wisnon, no this is a separate upgrade from the DSD128. The DSD128 will follow in a few months.

Matt, according to Meitner they have a major firmware update that will make a significant improvement in the sound of the MA-1. It is supposed to be released this month. Check with Merrill if his MA-1 has that update otherwise you might want to wait as the release should be any time now.

Hi Matt. First I would like to add my thanks and appreciation for your very interesting and enjoyable thread.

FYI. The Meitner MA-1 has no VC so it can only be run direct to amp by using a software-VC in a Sever Software, like A+. Also by using the VC in the Server software you would only be able to control the volume of PCM files and not DSD.

Speaking of the Meitner MA-1 (and all EMM/Meitner) they have just announced the release of a free Major Firmware Upgrade.
I had the opportunity to get an early release for my MA-1. I can say that the difference was well worth the wait and the improvements in sound are across the board and urge you to try an updated MA-1. Please keep in mind that there will be another Upgrade coming this Fall-Winter.

On a side note. As we both have the Veritas Amps I wanted to let you know that I asked Merrill to put the new Red Fuses by Synergistic Research into my Veritas Amps. I highly recommend them for the price vs performance to anyone. They add a refinement to the Veritas, it elevates them, not that they lacked for anything before. It is not hard to hear the added benefits it brings, more then subtle. I must say that this is the first fuse I have heard that it was not hard, if at all, to hear the differences/improvement.

Hi Matt. Even though I have been following this thread, being that it is so long I am not sure if anyone mentioned the Totaldac company of products for you to check out. They do have a 14 day home trial and they might be willing to extend it. Of what I have read by both reviewers and owners they all have praised Totaldac as, if not the best they have heard (most say best) then on par with the best, regardless of cost.

The owner is very easy to talk to and very responsive.

I am in the processes of trying out their USB Cable/filter. As I just got it and it needs about a week of burn-in to settle in, I have heard some changes (for the better) from when it was first installed. At first it was very foreword and EVERYTHING was sounding dynamically compressed, loud. Then after about a day or so it all changed for the better and continues to improve, but on a smaller scale. But I must say it (IMHO) has already bettered a HIGHLY regarded and VERY well known and used by many USB Cable that costs more then twice the Totaldac cable.

Well enough of the cable. I just wanted to make sure you were aware of the DACs by Totaldac.

Wisnon, I was debating for several days whether to post that here as it was so long but I am happy that you did.

As you know there are a few more that can be reposted but hopefully the above will be enough. (Who am I kidding, ha)

Matt, the Regen is designed to improve all USB, so most likely. There are owners of VERY high end DAC's that have reported a noticeable and worthwhile improvement when using the Regen. Though the last time I looked Uptone Audio does not have a money back on its web site I believe if you ask Alex he will work something out for you on the Regen.

You all MUST check this out. It does wonders for the sound and at a relative bargain price.

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f10-music-servers/uptone-audio-regen-22803/

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/uptone-audio-regen-listening-impressions-24078/

It is not an OMG right away but a WOW as you listen to more and more different albums (quality, resolutions) and what it does for the sound as you play them.

You will not be sorry.

PS Hi Guido, I hope all is well.

Attention, Uptone Audio has just announced a Significant Upgrade to the Regen for all future orders and an upgrade for all current owners. This upgrade is a 40-50% increase in performance.

FYI, I have no affiliation of any kind with Uptone Audio.

Just a fellow Audiophile that wants to let other Audiophiles know about a GREAT product.

Mitch2, here is another link to check out about the Regen.

Post #389

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f10-music-servers/uptone-audio-regen-22803/index16.html#post417237

Thanks Wisnon for trying to explain the Regen. However I think you may have misstated one or two items.

I have asked Alex, of Uptone Audio, to see if John Swenson could come on here and explain but I am not sure he ever saw my message in his overflowing mailbox. I will try again.

The PCB board they use is a four (4) layer. One of the reasons to use the four layer is to help impedance matching.

As far as the "cable impedance matching" that is one of the areas where I think you may have misspoke.

Anyway you were able to explain it much better then I could so thank you.

Really, it beats the TotalDac USB for just $1,500+ more. That is amazing!!

Look, I am not trying to be a jerk but for that price it should make a $2,000 DAC sound like a $10,000 one.

Of course the question is how does it compare to the $2,000 Synergistic Research USB Cable?

I just started a thread at CA were Regen users can post the DAC's they use and if there is an improvement.

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/uptone-regen-and-your-digital-analogue-converter-what-digital-analogue-converter-do-you-use-24410/

As far as "upper" level DAC's the following are the first to report;

1)Aesthetix Audio Romulus Signature
2)Devialet 250
3)Totaldac D1 tube
4)Antelope Zodiac Platinum
5)Luxman DA-06
6)Mytek Manhattan
7)Resolution Audio Cantata
8)Several Lampizator Big 7

Some of the USB cables used with the above are TotalDac D-1 , Light Harmonic 10G and Tellurium Q Black Diamond

Remember, the Regen is last into the DAC.

Well, from my experience there is no rhyme or reason when it comes to Audio Cables.

In some cases I have heard a difference. Out of those only a few were worthwhile.

Price, at times, did play a roll in how much better the improvement was.

But like anything in life is the cost worth the improvement.

Sometimes it is.

I have not heard a huge amount of brands of cables but out of the ones I have heard the one that stands out as exceptional sounding and "reasonable" compared to the cost of cables vs performance in general is.....

High Fidelity Cables

Another MUST try IMHO

Do not misunderstand me, there might be others I am unaware of.

And I if someone wants to spend $2,000 on a USB cable I have NO PROBLEM with that.

What my problem is that at that price point compared to the price point of the Totaldac it is not a far comparison.

I can second the recommendation of Brett Messler at Audio 202 in Far Hills NJ. Bret is a hell of a nice guy, very easy going and carries items before they are well known.

Even if he does not have what you like it will be an enjoyable time well spent.

Guido, I found High Fidelity Cables over two years ago and was blown away at how they sounded. They are something special.

There is a British brand that I plan on checking out that might be another worthwhile cable, Tellurium Q. I hear their new top of the line Silver Diamond cable is something special.

Mitch2, yes I am talking about the Regen by Uptone Audio.
No, it is not "just a reclocker". I am trying to see if one of the designers would be willing to answer your question by posting on this thread.

Yes, I have one in my system and I am very impressed by the improvement in the quality of the sound vs the price of the Regen. That is why I HIGHLY recommended it for everyone to check it out. My understanding is if you try it and are not satisfied you can return it for a refund of your money (though please confirm that with Alex at Uptone). As far as I know no one has returned one yet.

Here is a link were John Swenson explains some of his work behind the Regen. Post #481

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f10-music-servers/uptone-audio-regen-22803/index20.html

Matt, speak to Rick (the owner/developer) at High Fidelity Cables directly, even if you need to call back a few times. He will give you an honest answer. He is that type of guy. Also, he is a wealth of information.

PS it is a shame you could not make it to the NY Audio Show this past weekend as Rick was there and holding talks about his cables.

Hi Matt. Sorry I missed your call the other day. Been a little crazy between my sister going in for surgery and relatives coming stay for the long holiday weekend. I will call you sometime today.

Just for everyone to know, I am brand ambassador for the Sound Galleries SGM 2015 Music Server and Taiko Audio.
[email protected]

For anyone interested I can setup an in home demo of the SGM 2015 (by the way the "2015" relates to the date of the prototype, not the release date of the SGM)  

A little info on the SGM:

The SGM team (both here in the USA and in Europe) support the SGM by either in home or remote excess. This includes initial setup and any setting changes and all software updates as needed.
So PLUG and PLAY.

There is one on/off switch on the front (besides the master on the back) that you use but once you turn it on it is fine to leave it on from the front switch. But it starts right up and is ready for use. Same with your "iPad". Most users just leave the SGM on and just launch the Roon/HQ Player combo app on their "iPad" and are up and running.

It is controlled by a pad, ie, iPad.
We include a lifetime Roon and HQ Player and give a credit if you have either. (there is more software) The OS is a custom version of W10 Pro. But we can always use another, ie, Linux, if we find at a later date that is a better choice. 

The SGM is a total bespoke server and is designed to be upgraded, both hardware and software. Besides sound quality being of utmost important, future proof was right up there.  

We have customers that replaced their Antipodes and Aurender with the SGM.

We are DAC agnostic, and file type too.

Cheers, Al. 

ctsooner, send me an email and we will set you up with a demo when it works for you.

Just so everyone has the price of the SGM, $16,000.

There are several that are more expensive and many others that cost less. But sometimes you do get what you pay for.

At this time the only options are larger SS HD above the included 1TB SSD. 2TB or 4TB.

For a larger music file library one can use a NAS. And in some cases that is the preferred way to go.

Yes, exciting times. We are always investigating, testing, evaluating and implementing if it makes sense. We have had a few software upgrades. No hardware, yet.  

jh901, how can I not take it personally when you use "sales pitch' and 'free advertising".

1st, no sales pitch, I just stated the facts. The SGM 2015 was mentioned several times and I just let everyone know a little about it. I never gave my opinion on performance or mentioned any of the stellar reviews, oops, now you got me, lol.

As far as price...I hear this from some audiophiles for years now. And while I can, at times, understand it when one is talking about $100,000+ amps and $150,000+ speakers etc I almost never hear the same people say the same about expensive luxury goods of most kinds. This is a capitalist society the last time I checked.

But lets talk for a minute about what it takes to price a piece of equipment at a "fair" price not just for the consumer but also for the manufacture.
Yes, there are some reasonable cost parts. But that is not all that went into the SGM.
There are CUSTOM power supplies, CUSTOM copper heat sinks, a CUSTOM 5PPB Clock and case to name a few. Not to mention the mods that are done to many of those "cheap computer parts".

The man hours that went into CUSTOMIZING the OS for the best sound and usability, not to mention the man hours that will be needed to keep it up to date.
Or the man hours that it took to evaluate each part used for sound performance and durability. Yes all the PC parts too.

Then there is the man hours that will be needed to support the SGM for EACH user during ownership.
Such as evaluating software updates and remote excess support for users to name a few.
Then there is warranty to consider.
Advertising and...I can go on.
Then after ALL (some I did not mention) that one has to consider what percentage of the target market would even have a buying interest. If it is low it means low sales volume. Hard to survive and risky on a small markup. At the same time you try to use a fair markup so sales will be reasonable.
Then I hear the argument that x markup is not fair or too high, lol.
It is so easy to criticize when one does not have to risk the company.

Yes, some equipment costs less then others...but it is more to it then "cheap computer parts"

 I have praised only a few manufactures over the years. And never as a dealer as I never was. I am not a dealer per se now either.
I was asked if I would be interested to help demo and promote the SGM.
I excepted because I TRULY believe in the product and the people behind it. Do I get compensated, duh, but not by much.

Finally, my word is my bond. My word is important to me. If I post or say something it is TRULY what I believe or I have experienced. Of course it is at times just my humble opinion. 

Sorry for the long...rant.
 

  

Peter, (ctsooner) I will email you and thanks.

Matt, that is awesome news about your DaVinci DAC. 
As I mentioned to you I had heard the DaVinci Dual DAC at the NYC Audio Show a few years ago. 
I was blown away by the quality of the sound and this being at a show.  
So I am anxious to see how good the current version is. 

You must be like an expecting father waiting for the baby to arrive 😉

"Al from SGM has promised me an audition that will knock my socks off. I'd like to absorb and report all that I mentioned above before taking Al's time; I'm thinking December or January. He's shown me some other cool little affordable grounding trinkets that might be worth trying as well."

Matt,
Ah, I think I said I did not want to over promise and nothing about your socks...or mine, lol. So keep your hose on, lol.
But I did say that we are very excited about some testing underway and if it all pans out like we expect then yea.
But I am sure you will enjoy what you experience once you hear the SGM.

Hmm, "affordable grounding trinkets". Well since one version has silver and gold in it "trinkets" might be too much of a misnomer seeing how "trinkets" are not made of precious metals, lol.

Matt, as soon as you have the time I should drop off some more of the Setchi grounding blocks for you to add to your system. If I can help it I plan on NOT removing the ones in my system. I have one on my SGM and one on my T+A DAC 8 DSD. Just those two made a significant difference. I did not expect that degree of improvement.
I just started to try a pair on my Merrill Audio Veritas Amps.

Well, enough of me. 

Alfonse Mirabella
Ambassador, Sound Galleries & Taiko Audio
Sound Test USA
soundtest.info
[email protected]

@lalitk 

Sorry for the delay in answering your questions but I have been with family that have been visiting and today I was at a presentation by Thomas Fine, son of Robert and Wilma Fine, the legendary recording engineers of The Mercury Living Presence albums. This was arranged by the New Jersey Audiophile Society for one of our Club Meetings. 

WOW! What a presentation. If you ever have the chance DO NOT MISS THIS ONE! Tom is a very gracious person and willing to answer all our questions. Close to a three hour presentation!  Slides and some excerpts of the original and remastered music. 

Now I will try answer your questions about the Setchi and give you some information, as best as I can. 

I am offering an opportunity to home demo the new Setchi Grounding Blocks by Taiko Audio. They are so new we do not even have them up on our web site yet, lol. Seriously.
Though we have been selling them overseas for a month or two.

I have tried MANY grounding devises over the years and I must say these are exceptional for the price vs performance value.

At first I was highly skeptical of them even though my associates reassured me of their performance. As I said, I have tried many others over the years. But with the Setchi I was WRONG! 

I have a Setchi D1 on my SGM Music Server and a Setchi D2 on my T+A DAC 8 DSD. If I had a separate preamp I would put one on that too but right now (Preamp in my future) I use the analog Preamp in the T+A. 

Order of importance in placement of Setchi in a system. 

1) Server

2) Source (DAC, CD player)

3) Preamp

4) AMP/s

5) Power conditioner

6) ETC ( some costumers overseas connect a Setchi to their electric service panel)

In my system just one made a significant difference and was highly noticeable. But TWO just brought it home! 

The improvements were overall. Much better dynamics, tone, air, sound stage, harmonics and I could go on. I must say that I don't want to describe too much of what the very worthwhile improvements were. You really need to hear it for yourself. Caveat, each system could be slightly different as it is system dependent to a point.
So You really need to demo in your own system.

What are the Setchi? Well I will do my best to explain.

The case of the Setchi is made of Panzerholz aka Tank Wood. This was no accident. We chose this for several reasons. The least of which is not for the improvement in sound it brings. 

Inside there is a replaceable (9v - every two years) battery, more on this below. 
Also inside there is either copper or gold/silver depending on the model. More below. 

The Setchi comes in two types, a D for digital connection/equipment or an A for analog connection/equipment. 

Then there are two versions within the types.

Copper or a number 1 designation. A1 / D1. 

Gold/Silver or a number 2 designation. A2 / D2. 

Depending on what equipment the Setchi will be connected to dictates the connection you will need. All Setchi come with a high quality connector, ie RCA, USB etc. See bottom two photos at the AudioStream link. These were at the Munich Show. 
https://www.audiostream.com/content/sound-galleries-experience

But what does the Setchi do? That is a great question but for me not a easy answer as I am not an engineer. 

What I can tell you its not a regular ground-tweak but more of a ground-plane harmonics harmonizer. As in it counters / reduces / absorbs harmful harmonics being dumped on the ground-plane by almost everything drawing current from the network, not only your high-end equipment but every appliance in your house and even your neighborhood. It`s powered by, or rather harvest its power from absorbing ambient vibrations, the battery is only for biasing its dielectrics which increases its efficiency and keeps it from saturating (which is a weakness of other "ground" tweaks). This is not voodoo but real science.

The prices are as follows. Pricing is in Euros due to the fact that all orders are processed overseas. I place your order and it is processed and shipped from The Netherlands. 

A1 and D1 (copper)are Euros 200 (currently $240) plus shipping.

A2 and D2 (gold/silver) are Euros 300 (currently $360) plus shipping.

Now because the way the Setchi works it MUST be PLACED ON TOP of any EQUIPMENT it is connected to. It can be placed on its side vs placed flat (there is a slight difference in sound one vs the other). 

While the quality of the cable and its length is optimized for absolute performance, you can order a longer length cable with just a slight loss in performance. 

Once connected to your equipment it will take several hours before the Setchi begins to sound really good. After about a day it will reach about 80%. Then over three+ days  it will continue to improve and reach 100%.

If Setchi is removed, the equipment it was attached to will SLOWLY revert back to its previous state in performance. So A / B ing is nearly impossible. 

OK, I think I covered it all. Please feel free to ask me any questions. 

Cheers, Al.

Alfonse Mirabella
Ambassador for Sound Galleries and Taiko Audio

Sound Test USA
[email protected]

@ctsooner 
Peter, IIRC the only audiophile cat8 cable is made by Wiredworld. 
It is supposed be special. It comes in three levels I believe. 
Though not sure if you would need it with the optical isolation. Also many of us are using Ethernet isolators and find they work as good or better as the optical. Just some food for thought. There is a thread on Computer Audiophile about it. 

Yes, Pete we need to catch up. 

As far the difference in the two types of isolators it depends on several things. 
Who you ask, which ones you use/try, how much hassle vs difference in performance you might get. At one time the optical was more expensive. Not so sure now. People who I trust feel that from their experience the none optical ones work just as good if using the right ones. Of course who knows what might be introduced in a few years if at all. 
When I get the chance I will post a link to the CA thread. 

Peter, here are a few links for worthwhile choices of Ethernet Isolators that are not optical. I am still trying to find the thread on CA but I am still looking for the right one. So this will have to make do for now. 

http://www.emosystems.com/product/en-70e-ultra-compact-network-isolator/

http://industrialcomponent.com/baaske/mi1005.html

http://www.artistic-fidelity.de/index.php/en/giso-isolator

Some me of us like the Emo best and others like either of the other two. 

Of course this is not an exhaustive list but these are the most respected and popular ones. 

You would put put one of these just before the server. 

I hope this helps. 

Peter, I had hoped to see you and others on Saturday but one of the audio clubs I belong to, The Audiophile Society, of NYC, will be having a meeting on Saturday during the same hours. 
In the past this club does not tend to hold a meeting in December but they called for one just several days ago.  
I want to support both the member who is hosting the meeting and the guest speaker who I personally know. 
We should try to talk on the phone soon and catch up. Much to talk about. 
I enjoyed our last such conversation. 

Cheers, Al. 

Al Mirabella 
Ambassador Sound Galleries & Taiko Audio 
Sound Test USA 

Yes, having John hosting a Club would be great as he is a wonderful host. Not too mention a wonderful dealer. 
I will PM you the contact information for The Audiophile Society. 
If anyone else would like me to PM that information just contact me by PM. 
PS there is also the New Jersey Audiophile Society. We just had our Holiday Party this past Sunday at the Club House in the community that I live in and a pleasant time was had by all. Anyone who would like their contact information just PM. 

FYI in both clubs we have some members that regular travel one to two hours to attend meetings and some who live out of state. 

Best, Al.