Vacuum State Of The Art Conference And Show 2003 (VSAC)

VSAC 2003: Micro-Watt Amps, Music And Microbrews
By Dave Glackin Part 4

  I experienced something in Garth Leerer's Musical Surroundings room that I have not had the pleasure of experiencing before. A Clearaudio turntable with three tonearms was set up, sporting a Benz LP cartridge, a Clearaudio Harmony Magnesium cartridge, and a third whose provenance I did not ascertain (this isn't my usual CES report, OK?). A remote-controlled preamp was being used, and the phono inputs could be switched at will. This is the way to audition phono cartridges (yes, the arms were different, but the differences I heard were clearly revealing of the distinctive "house" sound of the cartridges). My preference was for the brand I own. Thanks, Garth, for this ear-opening demo.

 

Here's a self-portrait of your author hard at work in Garth's room, struggling mightily to bring you the very latest in the audio state of the art. Or something.

 

Efforts from the DIYers at the show were exhibited in the Craftsman Room. Here are two efforts that really caught my eye, done by some talented amateurs.

 

My trio of editors was found hard at work around the campfire one evening. From left to right are pictured Dave Clark, Steve Rochlin, and David Robinson, enjoying various personal vices. Who said size doesn't matter?

 

When finally it came time to bid adieu to old friends, I spied David Robinson and Stan Ricker warming themselves by another fire. Farewell from VSAC 2003!

 

Click here for main VSAC show report.