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https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> DECFEST 2024 https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1718219700 Message started by Steve Deckert on 06/12/24 at 20:14:59 |
Title: DECFEST 2024 Post by Steve Deckert on 06/12/24 at 20:14:59 DECFEST 2024 As we do every year, we are excited to host our annual DECFEST in October. We are looking forward to seeing many new and old faces in attendance this year. SIGN UP There will be a sign-up page for the fest, limited to 100 people. It will give you the option of picking which days you want to attend. It will also provide the option to cancel your reservation at any time if your plans change and you can’t make it. By canceling online, it will open up a spot for another attendee on the waitlist. DATES: Oct. 4-6th HOURS Friday 11:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Saturday 11:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Sunday is normally a wind down morning, with a few folks who show up to cap off their visit before heading home with the day ending by noon. SOME CHANGES: Normally, we would close down production for a week in order to prepare for the fest. That is not a realistic option this year, considering the increased quantity of orders and length of lead time we have. This means the listening room will remain unchanged from daily use, so you can hear it exactly as we do throughout the year. Prior Decfest attendees enjoyed the freedom to request specific combinations of gear. This year that will be limited to what is already in the room and set up. This means, if you want to hear a specific amp you will want to make a private listening appointment sometime throughout the year. All the Decware speakers are here on display and a few pair are set up in the listening room. The small Caintuck Audio baffles we all love so much will also be here, but we will not have a separate room set up for them due to lack of space. There will be a pair in the Decware listening room at all times for anyone wanting to hear them. FOOD There will be plenty of drinks including water, pop, teas, and BEER available at no charge. We will also provide snacks only during the day with a late lunch/early dinner each day between 3-4 p.m. This is also free of charge. FIRE Weather permitting there will be a bonfire both nights. Lodging: There are plenty of nice hotels in the area that a quick google search will pull up. In past years we have had some folks who pitch a tent in our spacious backyard, and of course, you would be welcomed to do so this year. -- LINK TO SIGNUP: https://www.decwareproducts.com/event-list Cheers, DeVon Deckert |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Kamran on 06/13/24 at 00:40:13 DeVon, The timing is interesting as I was intending to start a Decfest 2024 thread just last night! Wasn’t anticipating the registration to go up so early, but I think it’s a good move. I have registered and also forwarded the link to Mark Schifter from verafi, as I intend for him to be one of the panelists at this year‘s fireside chat alongside Steve. I will be in touch with you separately to figure out the logistics. Kamran |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Kamran on 06/18/24 at 02:25:50 Thx for sharing the setup in advance Steve. Pretty excited to listen to the ceiling facing baffle setup— the door is also welcome—it should positively impact the noise floor. |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Kamran on 08/12/24 at 02:14:46 Just booked the flights. Landing in Chicago the day before and driving over Friday am. Now I gotta look at accommodation. Looking forward to my third consecutive Decfest! Let’s get a show of hands—-who’s coming this year? Also, start sending me your questions for the fireside chat. We will have Steve all to ourselves for an hour. Let’s make use of it… |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by litefootdan on 08/12/24 at 21:24:25 I missed out last year.... But not this year!!!!!!! I get to go :D |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Kamran on 08/12/24 at 21:58:32 Nice! Looking forward to reconnecting Dan! |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by jpv on 08/13/24 at 14:50:12 I'll be there Fri - Kamran any plans for another campfire Q&A? |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Kamran on 08/14/24 at 02:48:48 Jpv— Yes, absolutely — the plan is to have a Fireside Chat with Steve on Friday, evening. In case it rains, we will move it to Saturday night. So get your questions ready, but keep them off this thread—Steve prefers not to see the questions in advance. Steve— any chance we can get this either live streamed for recorded for members who aren’t attending? |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Steve Deckert on 08/20/24 at 23:21:12 I think it is possible yes. Literally every year I have to figure out from scratch how to stream the listening room because either the software changes or I forget how to use it, or what software I used, usually the later. So we will try. |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by MikeinMontana on 08/21/24 at 17:27:56 Yeah. I was looking for my wallet a few days ago. Went all over the place looking. Found it in my back pocket. Now who put that there? Tomorrow is our 42nd Anniversary. I am going to use a marker and write it down on my forehead tonight. I have never forgot and ain't going to this time either! Poor girl................. It just gets worse Steve. I have been 'ordered' that I can not go far right now, but would LOVE to see it streamed/taped etc... If it works out TY!!! Just find a kid Steve. They KNOW this stuff and would have you all set up in a jiff! ....A bit envious to those going~ Right on and safe travels to everyone [smiley=icqlite20.png] All the best~ Mike oh and Kamran, get out of that Chicago area as fast as you can! :D (Vacation: Come 'on, Honey. We can't close our eyes to the plight of the city. Kids, you noticing all this plight? .......................Roll em' up! Looking forward to your fireside Kamran [smiley=beer.gif] |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Kamran on 08/24/24 at 01:07:00 Thx for looking in to it Steve—I know this was a popular request last year as well. The plan is to have the fireside chat Friday night around 6 pm (to be confirmed) and in case it rains, we have Saturday evening as our alternative option. All set with flights, rental, and hotel at this point. Reminder to members to send me their questions. I’ve already started a list on my notes app. |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Kamran on 09/06/24 at 02:09:56 Less than a month away! I’ve received only one question so far (and a good one too). Let’s get the ball rolling here. Just PM me plz. |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by MikeinMontana on 09/06/24 at 18:01:57 If I was about to test drive a few different tubes (roll), which tube or pair of and position would be the first to check out for most difference in sound? Keeping affordability in mind too. I ask this mostly out of curiosity as our amp was absolutely amazing right out of the box! Just 'rolling' a few and it has been fun. Currently using a 1953 RCA top getter 5U4G, the original Decware 6P15P EV's and a 1974 reflektor silver shield 6N23p. Our zen amp still working like a champ. [smiley=icqlite20.png] Staying mostly inside today due to forest fire smoke again. It is awful out. This image was the first time the sun shown through the smoke. It has been completely blocked for several days now. Ash floating in it everywhere. Cough.. cough thank you~ ~Mike |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Kamran on 09/06/24 at 20:44:43 Good question Mike—hope it clears up soon! Stunning picture as usual! |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by MikeinMontana on 09/07/24 at 03:54:42 Thank you Kamran. Have a great night~ Mike image: a smoke free moonrise... a while back~ |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by ChrisC on 09/07/24 at 22:46:50 Now that's a 'money shot' - beautiful! |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by kulafu on 09/09/24 at 19:24:06 Booked everything. Looking forward to seeing you all! Bob |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Steve Deckert on 09/17/24 at 01:20:32 I will be testing the outdoor fire pit listening room soon. If it works we will have two listening rooms this year. Let's keep our fingers crossed. As for the main listening room the theme this year is actually going to be analog. So if you have some favorite records that you want to hear on the new London Reference cartridge by all means bring them along. We can play 33 and 45 any size up to 12 inch. For streaming we will have Tidal and Qobuz, so just write down a couple of your favorite tracks and we can pull them up for you. Something tells me this is going to be a really good fest. No doubt it will be the best sound of any fest, which is always my objective but not always achieved. We will keep you posted of any updates or changes here. -Steve : ) |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Kamran on 09/17/24 at 01:35:11 An outdoor fireside listening room – this I gotta see (and hear)! Looking forward! And members – please send me questions! |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by JBzen on 09/17/24 at 10:56:05 Before the Charoit and Decware, I created a powerful outdoor system. The sound was true to life by eliminating boundaries. The trick is having enough clean power to overcome ambient noise. It was a true pleasure listening in the wee hours of night just before dawn. It also performed well with large crowds in the hundreds. Have a great time this year guys! |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Dominick on 09/17/24 at 13:08:00 Sadly I am not going to be able to attend this year. The fireside interview sounds like a great addition to the fest. Steve…is there anyway you would be able to livestream the event? Or at a minimum have the event recorded so it can be posted on YouTube or at least shared with the members? |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Steve Deckert on 09/19/24 at 02:38:15 So long as it doesn't rain a lot, this system is going to the melt your face off. The lowest bass you've ever heard and the largest 3D soundstage you've ever heard. Guaranteed no mater the system if you heard it in a room with 4 walls you only heard small parts of what is actually there. I am presently driving these with 6 watts using my wood shop amp that hangs on the wall. Speakers are 88dB. It's perfect because it won't get loud enough to piss off the neighbors. The PT-10 drivers would wreck your head out here but they will also get so loud that it is certain to get us all into trouble. I made a short video with my phone which I found out can't capture the bottom octave anywhere near what it actually sounded like. Of course I will make more recordings with better equipment as time allows but this is a nice teaser... https://youtu.be/P86_A1wbLm4?si=oCjnI2ng5jfLmeY5 This is going to be a self explanatory lesson in acoustics to everyone who steps near this fire pit. Steve |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by JBzen on 09/19/24 at 09:57:50 The track sounded a bit strained at first listen. The second time the strain was actually your shoe bottoms rustling the ground clutter. Other than the areas finest showing up, ambient noise will screw with your head often. |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by kulafu on 09/19/24 at 14:21:45 Awesome, lets pray for no rain! Bob |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Kamran on 09/19/24 at 14:28:43 This year’s fireside chat is going to be epic! And yes, as Bob says, let’s pray for no rain! Steve, I’m curious – how long are the interconnects? |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by kulafu on 09/19/24 at 14:28:58 Steve, I might have missed it....Is the shed going to be used as a listening room? Bob |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Steve Deckert on 09/19/24 at 20:50:24 30 feet No shed this year. Randy will have his baffles here for sale and a pair in the listening room. |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Frank_S on 09/20/24 at 18:53:35 After hearing the Omni open Baffles during a private demo, I would like to purchase. Have you finalized on the design? Will these be added to the Decware website's list of speakers to be purchased? |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Steve Deckert on 09/22/24 at 00:16:06 Hi Frank, Yes, the design is finalized and will be available on the web site this fall. Steve |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by S of T on 09/22/24 at 06:32:22 Way cool Steve....outside and inside. I look forward to DECFEST Online. |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by JBzen on 09/22/24 at 10:46:07 Quote:
When it rained I use to cover the speaker stacks with large plastic bags. The playing could continue and sound good thru the plastic considering the noise created from rainfall - even between storms the sound was acceptable. The fire shot brings back some fond memories playing at my cousin's place in Ohio. Bonfires and good music with good brew and friends can not be beat! |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Lon on 09/22/24 at 11:17:03 Wow Steve, a solid state amp directly wired, no feed back. Back about 30 years ago I was emailing a fellow (Silver Bear Audio? there was a Bear in there) who built an Single-Ended Transistor solid state one and was kicking tires and never pulled the trigger, and then found Decware and bought Zen amp #27 later. I will look forward to reading about the solid state amp. |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by HockessinKid on 09/22/24 at 15:58:23 Steve, The Audio Gods must be working overtime this year. Hope you and the gang have good weather, exceptional camaraderie and a most enjoyable gathering this year. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it due to a scheduling conflict. Best to the Deckert family, you folks make this annual get together very special. HK |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by CAJames on 09/22/24 at 16:54:08 Quote:
Interesting. Before Decware I had a pair of single ended MOSFET monoblocs designed by a guy who cared enough about the first watt to register the domain name, Nelson Pass. I thought they were pretty close to the last word for over 20 years, including sending them back to the factory for an overhaul, but my UFOs blew them away in every aspect. And my UFO25s blow them away even more. If you've made a MOSFET amp that is competitive with your tube amps that is quite an accomplishment. |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Kamran on 09/23/24 at 00:37:28 Wow—lot’s to unpack here. Can’t wait to hear all these combinations! I have received some excellent questions from two members and will most likely finalize all the questions by next Weekend. If you’re not attending and have a burning question—this is your last chance. I’ll also speak to the Deckerts and finalize the time for the chat this week— hopefully, there will be signs like last year. |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by MikeinMontana on 09/23/24 at 18:26:57 We hope to watch and listen from home. Looking forward to it! [smiley=beer.gif] |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Steve Deckert on 09/24/24 at 01:22:15 Here is the link for the live stream: https://www.decwareproducts.com/livestream |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Kamran on 09/27/24 at 18:59:10 Details for the Fireside Chat: Ok, here’s what I have confirmed: Friday, October 4th at 5 pm Duration: 1 hr (hard stop at 6 pm) Just like last year, a sign will be posted outside with the date/time of the chat—so even if you don’t follow the forum and or forget about this thread, you’ll be reminded. If it rains on Friday, then it would be the same time and duration on Saturday, October 5th. Have some great questions lined up for Steve! |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by MikeinMontana on 09/28/24 at 03:04:00 Made me laugh Steve.. :) Reminded me of.... me. That Schleprock syndrome ain't nothing nice. Hopefully all will be just fine on October 4, 3pm- Montana time for fireside... I am sure it will be. I plan on watching the live stream. Looking forward. All the best~ Schleprock Jr... Mike |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by JBzen on 09/28/24 at 11:35:22 Quote:
Uh oh, your setting yourself up for a visit from the men in uniform! With a low cloud ceiling, the sound will carry much Much further then without especially along a river. When I was reading your latest post sitting hear at camp a train was approaching around 4am. I could hear a faint double whistle and it struck as being odd. Usually the town Dawson about 2 miles north down the river has about six crossings with as many warning toots. Only two? It then became apparent that what was being heard was the train crossing of roads at the next town north Layton 10 miles down river! But wait, after some time I heard another couple of toots again. WTF. That must have been the train crossing Layton roads. The first horn sounds must have been warnings from roads about to be crossed in Smithton 16 miles down river! Layton is about 7 miles and Smithton about 12 miles straight miles from camp. The Helene cloud ceiling is low and it was not raining at the time. Ambient noise was low. I really wanted to attend this year and signed up but had to withdraw because my middle child made plans that required my attendance. Love what you did with the concrete pads. Hopefully the pads will still be level by the time I get out there to have a listen. |
Title: Re: DECFEST 2024 Post by Geno on 09/28/24 at 16:32:40 Quote:
The sound was so stinking good, the stink bugs could not get close enough! ;D |
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