DC Metro


I was wondering if there is any interest in a DC area audio or audio/video society. About twelve years ago, I was one of the founders of the Greater South Bay Audiophile Society in the Los Angeles area and had a great time attending the meetings, learning more about the synergy of products, and meeting great people and listening to the different types of music these people brought to the meetings. We held monthly meetings, either at member's homes or at local audio stores, and had manufacturers come in and demonstrate their latest gear. I moved to Northern Virginia about ten years ago and didn't find a similar group in the area. An attempt at forming a group about six or seven years ago did not generate much interest, but from talking to some of the people I've met recently, there may be enough of an interest to try again.
For full disclosure, I started up a part-time home-based audio business early last year. The first planning meeting could be held at our showroom and we could listen to some of the new products we've recently added to our lines. Some may see this as a conflict of interest, and since I am not planning on being one of the officers or prime movers of the society, we could have the meeting elsewhere. The bottom line is anyone interested?
thelser
I live on Capitol Hill, and I would definitely be interested in meeting up if we could get a crew together. I'd like to see and hear more about other people's systems, and we could do cool stuff like bring our CD players or cables to shootouts so we can hear each other's gear.
I live in Bethesda and would be interested. I know of a few others that would be into it as well. FWIW, there is a local Bottlehead contingent that meets about once per quarter.

Great idea.

Hat
Good news! Looks like the startup meeting for the audio club for the MetroDC area is going to be held on Saturday, June 10th. The location will be at F2 Audio, 7105 Marbury Court, Falls Church, VA 22046. Exact time of the meeting is yet to be determined, but we are looking at a having a start time of around 6:30. Please note that the store is open by appointment only. Further details are at www.f2audio.com. WeÂ’ll have a planning session, demo/compare some gear and setup options, listen to some of the great music IÂ’m sure youÂ’ll bring along, share ideas and insights, and generally get to know one another. More details will be forthcoming as we get closer. I look forward to seeing all of you. Tell a friend and bring a friend/significant other!
The first meeting will be this Saturday, June 10th, from 6:30 to 10:00 at 7105 Marbury Court, Falls Church, VA (703-532-7239). We are grilling burgers and dogs with the normal sides starting at 5:30. All are welcome; no need to bring anything. Gregg Dunn from Cary Audio is planning on being there for the BBQ and meeting. In addition to the new Cary Concept gear (we also have the 805 Anniversary amps, SLP-05 preamp, 303 CD player, etc.), we'll be auditioning the recently available Acoustic Zen Adagio speaker. I imagine we'll keep 6:30 to 7:00 open for meet and greet (my wife, Carrie, will man the sign-in /name badge table, much like she did at the last club we started), 7:00 to 7:15 for basic introductions and club setup, 7:15 to 7:45-ish for Gregg to discuss and field questions, then the rest of the evening to listen to music and plan the next meeting. We (as F2 Audio) are currently between turntables, so CDs only.
Hopefully we'll get a group of people who have the desire to help make the club continue and grow. We can discuss details at the meeting. The last club I formed with a friend in CA only stayed together because of the people we had helping out. It was also a lot of fun when that happened.
Note that the BBQ is dependent on the weather. Pouring rain/lightning and we won't have the BBQ, but will start the meeting at 6:30. Feel free to call if the weather is questionable (www.f2audio.com). Also, the driveways are off limits for parking. The one is an easement to the house in the back.. Should be plenty of parking in the cul-de-sac and local streets.
That said, show up, bring ideas, friends, significant others, and good music (CDs) that you know well (those strange discs we all have for listening to new gear) and some that you just like. We may not be able to play all selections in the time allotted, but we'll do our best to accommodate everyone.
Please feel free to contact me by email for more info and also feel free to forward this to anyone in the local area you think might be interested.
How was the meeting last week? I was unable to come because of a prior engagement, but I'm interested in attending future meetings.

Michael in Baltimore
I thought it was great. I almost missed it also due to a conflict. Larry and Jeff (and the ladies) did a great job with organization and even better on hospitality.

There were about 16-18 (my guesstimate) who made it, and we listened to plenty of tunes through Cary electronics with Von Scheikert and Acoustic Zen speakers. I heard many cd's that I'll add to my collection (Jeff said he'll try to publish the play list in a letter sometime soon).

regards,
Brad G. in Silver Spring
It was a great time for sure, fairly laid back which was nice. Great hosts for sure! I look forward to the next meeting! Thanks to Larry and all others and Cary for bringing gear and discussing it.

ET
Sorry I missed it, too. Please keep me on the list for next time.
David in Takoma Park
Hey DC Guys,

I will be in the the DC area in July & Aug. If your group is interested in my demonstrating the Metronome digital components such as the state-of-the-art Kalsita transport, please contact me. [email protected]

More info at http://www.tmhaudio.com/Metronome.htm
Hi All,
Has this club continued? I'm in Fairfax and am definitely interested. I suffer from a very small listening room so probably can't host anything, but I'm more than willing to participate in some way.

Peter
the last meeting we had (to my knowledge) is the one in June, which was the first. We discussed meeting frequency then - agreed that once a quarter was probably right (as I recall, but maybe it was ever other month?). I guess that says we're due for another meeting soon . . .
Hi folks,

I'd be very interested in joining the club. I live near the Eastern Market. No car, though. Are most of these meetings metro-accesible?
I am currently in Moscow on business. We had a good meeting with great turnout and interest last summer, though events since then have kept me from organizing any followups. We had planned on having the next meeting be a round-robin meeting, going to several members homes in a general area. Other meetings would be at one memeber's house, mfrs, stores, with some having product line reps doing demos, etc. I have several more lengthy trips this year, but hope to get another meeting (and plan the next before everyone leaves) some time early to mid fall. Will keep you on the invite list.
I have been overseas on business too much this year. I keep thinking we'll be able to get together again soon, but I keep getting these trips. I will keep you informed of any meeting we have this fall. Thanks for the interest.