IndyFest08- Friday Party Wrap Up

[IndyKlipschFan]

It is always great to visit with new and old friends when we have these Klipsch Pilgrimages.

This years party at my house was just incredible. We had perfect weather. Good stuff to demo and play with. Great food and great people to mix in mingle with. I could go on and on, but it just was a great way to kick it all off. I wanted to thank my wife for putting up with the idea even of opening up our house to "strangers off of the internet" LOL!!! I assured her, were all like family anyhow. To Picky n Verna, who although staying with us, helped us as well and put up with three nights of "entertainment" and Steve and Caroline as well. Bottom line was I think everyone enjoyed every minute of it as much as we did.

I wanna thank Klipsch for letting me integrate this into the weekend, it certainly is a lot of fun and I think great way to kick off the weekend, get people excited, and also relaxed for the whole process too. I always say those of us obsessed with Klipsch in this hobby it really is not about showing off... But SHARING the experience with other audio lovers too. I know some of you never heard Heritage speakers before..... you have now!

Someone came up to me and told me they counted 53 people in my house at one time.. It was just amazing!

I would love to see any pics anyone took. I was trying to be a good host and forgot to do that. (Thanks Glen for the one below of Cindy and I.)

If you had a great time, let me know!! We might do it again next year. IndyFest 09.

This is one of those weekends, once it is over, you can't wait till next year!

Thanks for coming.. This Klipsch Forum, and the friendships you gain from it, is just amazing!!!!!!!!

Roger aka IndyKlipschFan

[Seadog]

Roger I had a great time on Friday night. Once again you and your wife were great hosts. Thank you again for inviting the entire pilgrimage roster to your home. Your theater is phenomenal, in both sight and sound. The pilgrimage would not have been complete without your generous hospitality. I did not get very many pictures at your house (too busy visiting and enjoying the show), but below is a nice shot in your HT.

[Seadog]

Doc, Michael Hurd, and Jay hooking up Michael's LF beast.

[DrWho]

Thanks for having us over Roger! It was good times.

Here's one of the pictures I took while there []

green = sub measured at 1m
magenta = sub measured at listening position

Check out that room gain [] (over 20dB at 16Hz)

[Seadog]

"So that's what is behind those fabric walls"

[IndyKlipschFan]

Great Photo!!

Thanks for your comments too!

I hide my speakers behind a scrim, but people always wanna see em anyhow who are Klipsch Fans..LOL>

For those that were not there... For HT, I use 4 split La Scala's for the rears... La Scala bass bins on the floors.. (4 Cornwalls for a Karaoke system) and then on top of those I flip the La Scala tops, so the tweeters are in the middle and up high behind the seats where you can now hear them now.. It works great IMO.

Michael Hurds sub was a monster... What was amazing is BOTH of the subs.. his or mine.. were fantastic with La Scala's. That graph is amazing and probably why I feel and love the sound of subs in my room too! hehehehehehehe The Klipsch THX KA 1000 amp, and 2 Klipsch THX KSW 120 subs both Ultra 2 .. are not boomy boom box subs, but clear "umph" when u need em! []

[jamesV]

Roger,

As a first timer to the Pilgrimage and to your place I have to say thanks. It was a really great time, and thank you so much for making my gf and I feel like family. It was a really really great time that we had at your place and thanks for the time that you spent talking to us and showing us around the house.

We are looking forward to see you again and if the Pilgrimage is in Indy next year please count us in on a visit is you have the open house.

James

[BLSamuel]

Roger,

This was my 2nd Pilgrimage and 1st visit to your place. All I can say is WOW and THANK YOU! My teenage daughter was impressed (that's her sitting in the chair on the right in front of me in the photo Seadog posted). Your and Cindy's hospitality and genuine friendliness is amazing.

Thank you so very much for your and Cindy's friendliness and hospitality even to those of us who are pretty much complete strangers. We had to leave to get some sleep before the Michael Hurd's mini beast demo. Wish I could've heard that though your subs are not at all lacking. I don't think I've ever heard sound that good in any theater. []

I bet concert videos sound amazing in there and I doubt there's many, if any, karoake venues that can touch the sound quality either. And most importantly, I think you mentioned you enjoy it with your family. Your kids will grow up liking you and CIndy and vice versa (the priceless part if a commercial).

Thanks again and I'll be there in future years if I can should you make this an annual event.

Ben

[IndyKlipschFan]

Thanks Ben.

I am pretty sure your daughter got caught up in a big smile even during some parts..I think she jumped a few times during the demo.. hehehehehe
The karaoke system is just incredible, I do not go out as much to sing as I used to in my 20's - 30's. (And your right it is because it is just better at home, 100% so too!!!) In a non smoking and better environment at home it is a source of fun and enjoyment. When you find that song that is just right that you can re create it is priceless.

My kids are beginning to sing, have NO stage fright at all and will be fun to see how they develop too. You get to 5000 or so songs, there are a few everyone can find to sing! LOL It all started with contests, but no PA sounded as good as Cornwalls or La Scala's to sing through...to me.

[ClaudeJ1]

Roger and Cindy,

Thanks for opening up your lovely home to so many of us. It was a great party for sure. We have talked before about me wanting to experience your setup. Your words were an understatement. The whole thing is so very well done all around and I was blown away by the sonic experience..........a great balance of sound and aesthetics..............truly inspiring. I should add, I'm not easy to impress. LOL. Glad I finally made the trip to your place.

[colterphoto1]

Roger knows parties. nuf said.

BLS's daughter was impressed at your showing, she came over here and just said 'why?'. That says it all.

It's great to share this hobby and friendship with you Roger- HOME RUN!

yer buddy,

Michael

[IndyKlipschFan]

Yes it is Michael..

[Professor Thump]

Roger,

It was great to finally get over to your house and see your man cave. That is quite the theater you have there. I really dig the chairs but I couldn't sit down long because I would have been out for the count.

I think there is something wrong with your pool table though. Beasley kept dropping shots but mine just hit bumpers. I dunno maybe it was pilot error.

We will have to jam some time.

[customsteve01]

Roger,

Caroline and I would like to say thank you to you and Cindy. We both had a wonderful time, the two of you are the most awesome host's.

It's allways nice getting together with friends.

I also want to appoligize for falling asleep during "The Hunt For Red October" Damn those seats are just too comfortable.

Also enjoyed your singing.

Steve

[BLSamuel]

BLS's daughter was impressed at your showing, she came over here and just said 'why?'. That says it all.

Well, she was a bit overwhelmed I suppose by the House Of Klipsch as to some Michael's collection can seem a bit excessive. Some of us just drool. Different people collect different things, such as cars. I mean how many cars can you drive at one time? Though he maybe can't play them all at once, Michael can simultaneously play several sets of speakers at a time. Seems much more practical than a car collection to me.

We took her baritone case to Paige's music and I realized we're really close to the House Of Klipsch so I just had to stop in while I was nearby. Sorry Michael about just dropping in but being the cool guy he is it didn't phase him. Jay gave us a quick tour of the living room including the mini beast and the gallery. Quite an impressive array. I suspect Marshall's Walls Of Voodoo seems normal to her now by comparison. We had to run as she wanted to go to the sporting goods store.

So what's it called when Michael hooks up all that pro gear? That'd be one heck of a system ... scary when he gets the 600 stacks up and running.

I'd say why not? I mean there are a lot worse things one can collect.

[LoudnClear]

Roger,

Thanks so much for welcoming my wife and I to your beautiful home. I must say that you both are such wonderful, friendly people. I must say that I know exactly how exciting it is to connect with people who share your passion. That's what we all have on some level, is a passion for the way our systems impact our hearts. It was great to experience your top notch theater and it was a true pleasure to be able to visit with so many others with my same 'affliction'.

Kimball

[IndyKlipschFan]

Kimball..

I had Neil Young just for you too.. Sorry I forgot.. It is just amazing in sound and on HDTV.

Thank you and others for your kind words.. It really was fun!

Roger

[IndyKlipschFan]

Picky wrote this in another section, but it reflected my party and also the whole weekend.

In case you missed it... I wanted you to read it too. THANKS Glen!

The Picky Report: Thursday -

Verna
and I left the Detroit area around 3:10 pm on Thursday afternoon on
moments after I had arrived home from the office. Our original plan was
to drive to Indy on Friday morning, but Roger (IndyKlipschFan) (whom
we’d been invited to stay with) had called me earlier in the week and
told me that he and Cindy would love for us to come in a day earlier so
we could all spend more time together. Sweet! Hence; our Thursday
afternoon departure.

We
decided to drive Verna’s little “hot rod” down to Indy; 1996 Ford
Mustang SVT Cobra (it’s Laser Red and has only about 27,000 miles on
it). We chose it not only because it is a blast to drive, but at 27 MPG
(if you keep your big foot off the floor), it gets better fuel economy
that my 2005 Ford Freestyle crossover which gets 21 MPG at best. So
even though the Mustang burns more expensive 91 to 93 octane fuel, we
still saved a bundle on the trip down and used way less than ¾’s of its
16 gallon tank. We stopped for dinner along I-69 at a terrific little
Italian restaurant at Bluffton, Indiana US 224 exit. We both had some
very tasty lasagna and a Caesar side salad and got out of there for
$17.20 plus tip; incredible!

The
GPS had clocked about 292 miles from our house to Roger and Cindy’s
when we arrived there around 8:20 pm Thursday. Roger and Cindy helped
us carry our bags in the house and then said they hadn’t eaten yet.
Verna and I both got a chuckle and told them “We sure did!” LOL So, we
decided to go along with them to a great little Mexican place near
their house. Roger and Cindy ordered regular meals while Verna and I
split a small nachos and we ordered drinks all around. I told the
waiter I’d like a top shelf margarita. Then I made the mistake of
saying “Grande”. Roger ordered the same thing, but he’d apparently had
them before. OOPS! The waiter comes back out a short time later with a
regular margarita for Verna and a Daiquiri for Cindy. Then, the waiter
produces what appears to be a freaking family salad bowl on a stick
with green liquid in it and sets it in front of me. OH MY GOD! I have
NEVER seen such a huge margarita in all my life! Roger laughed his butt
off at me. He apparently knew what we were in for. We had great
conversation throughout dinner and I looked over and noticed Roger was
able to finish his Grande. I was really beginning to feel mine and it
was still half full. “Wow! What a lightweight”, I thought to myself. I
used to be able to handle a drink like that with no problem. But, that
was 90 pounds ago and this thing was beginning to kick my arse. And
Roger is not obese so I REALLY began to think I was a lightweight. I
took one, final sip and pushed it aside. I told Roger I could not
finish mine. He was a bit shocked I think. We all laughed. And of
course, Verna chimed in a said, “That’s what you get for saying
Grande!” LOL Right. Gee thanks. LOL The food was excellent there and we
left for their house. We stayed up until about 12:30 am watching
concert videos in their HT. I love the way my RF-7 theater sounds, but
I can truly say with confidence that Roger’s La Scala-based theater
actually sound a bit better than mine.

Friday -

We
all got a good night’s sleep. Cindy had a morning appointment so Verna,
Roger and I went to breakfast at a little café across the street from
the Mexican place we’d dined at the night before. This was like Greek
diner and the food was excellent. I had the Greek omelet. I love feta
cheese. We discussed the day’s agenda and planned what we’d need to get
at the store Friday in preparation for Roger and Cindy’s Indyfest open
house at their home that evening. After breakfast, we drove over to
Michael Colter’s house and there were about 6 or 7 cars in the driveway
and it looked as if his garage had exploded as there was Klipsch Road
Gear all over the parking lot in front of his garage! We saw DeanG, Dr.
Who, Michael Hurd, Jay, Seadog and of course Colter; all were busy
going through the gear they had pulled from the garage. Doc was doing
sweep testing on specific HF horn drivers with his portable
“bag-o-tricks”. The others were stacking, sorting assessing and
inventorying what gear functioned and what did not. We stayed for a
while checking out the overwhelming array of Klipsch gear. It was like
walking through the Klipsch museum in Hope. Then we were on our way
back to Roger’s house as Cindy was due to arrive home from her
appointment. We got things ready in the house for the evening
gathering, which was to commence around 10 pm following the evening
classes at the Klipsch facility. We gathered Cindy up and we went to do
some light shopping and then over to dinner at a nearby deli. The
pastrami sandwiches were awesome!

We
arrived at the Klipsch Engineering Center just before 5 pm as
instructed. They let us right in and there we saw those familiar faces:
Amy Unger, Trey Canon and Steve Philips smiling at us. It wasn’t long
before all of the folks interested in attending classes had arrived and
we split up into 3 groups and we lead to our respective class rooms.
The first class Verna and I were in was, “How to become a beta tester”.
It was lead mainly by Trey Canon and it was very interesting. We signed
proprietary information disclosure statements will eventually be
filling out personal profiles and begin to receive gear at our home
that we must test and evaluate for Klipsch and then send back to them
along with our critique. We are looking forward to it. Our next class
was on Roy Delgado’s Crossover networks. Roy could not be there so the
class was led instead by the very capable, Mark (Professor Thump) who
is an acoustics engineer. Although, the class was quite
“technically-heavy”, Mark was able to keep the subject interesting and
engaging. We all learned quite a bit about networks ad how they
influence the sounds that drivers reproduce. Next would have been Larry
Claire’s classical music seminar, but with the open house time nearing,
Roger needed to get back and set the house up properly before guests
started to arrive. So the four of us left and rode back toe their
house. We made sure the soft drinks were on ice down in the
entertainment area near the theater and we had “adult beverages” and 7
pizzas set up in their beautiful kitchen.

Guests
began arriving right at 10 pm as scheduled and it seemed as if the flow
never ceased. Someone told me at one point they counted about 54 people
in the house. Roger and Cindy have a beautiful home and it’s quite
large so even if it were 54 people, it did not feel crowed at all.
Everyone was scattered about the first floor and the lower level where
the theater and pool table are. The pizza was from Hungry Howie’s and
it was excellent. Folks sat in the living room on the large section in
front of the K-Horn and conversed with jazz playing n the background.
Some chose to sit at the table in the breakfast nook while other seemed
to enjoy standing in the large kitchen area and talk about nearly any
subject. There were several folks engaged in a game of eight-ball on
the pool table while others watched and there were at least 8 to 10
people enjoying the theater at any given time. Everyone had audio
question of every nature which they were asking of the more seasoned
members. It was a very wonderful experience and it was amazing to
witness just home much information had been exchanged among members. I
think I heard the name “Klipsch” at least every 30 seconds. LOL

At
2 am, when Verna and I had decided to head for bed for the evening,
Roger still had 8 people in the theater and they were intently watching
the later version of ‘Flight of the Phoenix’ with Michael Hurd’s
custom-made subwoofer hooked into Roger’s theater. Roger had turned off
his 2 Klipsch THX subs so they could hear just Hurd’s sub work. That
monster was able to move the walls! I understand Roger
finally “kicked” everyone out at 4:30 am as we all had to be back at
the Klipsch building by 8 am for the tour.

Saturday -

Cindy,
Verna and I got about 4 hour’s sleep. Roger got about 2. It’s a good
thing he’s younger than us. LOL Verna, Roger and I were out the door by
7:30 am. Cindy decided to go back to bed: Smart woman! LOL We arrived
at the Klipsch building right around 8 am and a light breakfast was
being served. At 8:30 we split up into numerous groups and began our
tour of the engineering facilities. It was my 3rd time visiting the
center and Verna’s second. We’d both toured Hope in 2006, so I suppose
we’re “seasoned veterans”. Despite having been there before, the
Klipsch folks always seem to have the ability of keeping things fresh
and interesting. A lot of that has to do with auditioning new product.
In this case, I am referring to the magnificent flagship, Palladium
Systems and then new Icon Series Systems. Both systems sound remarkable
but the Palladiums are nearly beyond words. There is such detail in the
mids and highs on this line and the transition from the higher drivers
down to the bass is purely seamless. The bas output is full and there’s
plenty of lower extension even without a sub. I think I have found my
new, favorite 2-channel benchmark: The Palladium P-39F System.

[Seadog]

Doc and Mike running curves at Roger's

[picky]

Picky wrote this in another section, but it reflected my party and also the whole weekend.

In case you missed it... I wanted you to read it too. THANKS Glenn!

Roger: FYI: I finally finished the rest of "The Picky Report" over in General this morning, if you are interested in adding to this at all. -Glenn