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AUDIO FORUMS >> DECFEST >> 2008 DECFEST
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Message started by Steve Deckert on 08/09/08 at 15:53:03

Title: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Steve Deckert on 08/09/08 at 15:53:03

Well it's time to start planning for the 2008 Decfest here at Decware!

Here's a link to the info: https://www.decware.com/audio-blogs/

You can find pictures from last year on the link.

Consider this an attendance thread and general Q&A about the fest. We'll monitor this thread until the fest to get an idea how many people will be attending. Of course, the fest is for anyone, not just forum members so this thread will by no means be the last word on how many people will be here!

Looking forward to seeing everyone who can attend!

Steve

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by stevef on 08/10/08 at 23:01:07

Sigh... Julie and I will not be able to attend this year. What a bummer. We will miss hanging out with old friends and meeting some new ones. Not to mention things like new equipment, and music. If you are "on the fence" about attending, please try to make it. Steve, DeVon, and crew really do their best to make attendees feel like family.

Steve

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by jpv on 08/15/08 at 06:45:40

Hey, I can finally login to the new forum :)
You can count me in, I'm trying to get my brother to come out from Ct. so there may be two or us. Last year was a blast and I can hardly wait. see ya then.
John

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by dank on 08/15/08 at 16:45:04

Deb and I will be there.

And this year, after taking your free hospitality for 3 years now, I'm going to actually buy something! Will an SE84CDIY be available? Might as well pick it up when I'm there...

Dan

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by jpv on 08/20/08 at 02:23:48

Steve,
Last year I stayed at the Super 8 motel in East Peoria on Taylor Street. I see there is another super 8 in Washington,IL. on Washington Road. Is the on in Washington Ok to stay in? Is it closer to your location? It's cheaper by $40 so it makes me wonder.

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by DPC on 08/20/08 at 13:20:17

IME, East Peoria is $40. better and it's closer.
I've stayed at both.
dennis

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by jpv on 08/22/08 at 03:33:00

Dennis,
Thanks for the reply. I will book my room tomorrow.
Is there any music anybody want's to hear. I have about 1000 albums and if I have it i will bring it. Mostly 70's 80's rock. I have a good selection of referance recordings, If you haven't heard these you need to.

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Audio Addict on 08/24/08 at 17:43:41

Since I am only about an hour away, I will try and make it at least one of the days. Which day should I try to shoot for?

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by chevelle on 08/26/08 at 08:39:36

I will be there. I am looking forward to meeting condesending out of touch elitists who spend 600 dollars on power cords, much as I have met here before. A lot of lounchair "experts" that believe they find knowledge by how much they jerk off over their credit card.

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Lon on 08/26/08 at 15:40:42

Heh heh heh, I'm sure they'd love to meet you too. . . . ;)

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Doorman on 08/26/08 at 15:42:32

What an inspirational 1st post, Chevy! :(
Don

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Randy in Caintuck on 08/26/08 at 16:06:24

Howdy chevelle,

I'm afraid that you must have us confused with a different group of "condescending out of touch elitists" ..... the power cord that Decware sells is only $149.00 ..... ;)

Anyhow ..... I look forward to meeting you at the DecFest. Hopefully, you will come away with a different opinion of what I consider a decidedly "down to earth" group of music lovers.

Best wishes,

Randy

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by dla405j on 08/26/08 at 16:06:47

Chevelle's cheap shot is unsupported by the facts and my experience with Decware & Decfest....I attended last year and found just regular folks in a friendly and low-key environment. I buy Decware because their products are very value-conscious and reliable. No boutique products ....just great value and nice people too. Anybody who has met Steve or visited his operation know that he's a practical and knowledgeable designer who offers high-end audio at bargain prices.....I don't see any $600 power cords in his catalog but do see various kits , amps, tubes, that are quality made and based on simple, good-sounding design....chevelle take your comments back and say your sorry or did you post on the wrong forum????

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Steve Deckert on 08/27/08 at 15:28:11

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by jpv on 09/11/08 at 02:08:24

Hey Steve,
Will you have streaming video like last year? Maybe some steaming audio? Will you have your turn table set up?
John

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by davedutill on 09/11/08 at 03:24:24

Looking forward to this years DECFEST!! It'll be here before we know it! :)

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by ZYGI on 09/12/08 at 00:11:25

Dave,

Looking forward to seeing you Randy, and the Yeagermeister. Sorry I missed you all at Ed's this year.

ZYGI

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by davedutill on 09/12/08 at 04:06:39

Hi Bob

I am definately looking forward to this years fest. Nedd some R&R for sure. I will most likely be coming in Thursday night. If you and Steve need a hand with anything I'll be happy to help.

See you all soon :)

Dave

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by PastaChedder on 09/23/08 at 17:46:23

Hopefully my first post will go over better than Chevelle's. I am going to try and make it this year. It has been 3-4 years since the first and last time I attended.

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by ZYGI on 09/23/08 at 23:00:25

Pasta,

I know you all right!!!

Dave,
Why does it sound like your comming alone....Is Randy not coming this year, that would be sad, you two have been at every Decfest there has been. Randy is what started it all in the first place.

ZYGI

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Randy in Caintuck on 09/24/08 at 00:06:45

Hi Bob,

It's sad, but true ..... :(

I have been dealing with a serious health problem for the past few months and will be in the middle of treatment during this year's DecFest.

The docs tell me that I will survive, but I'm in pretty rough shape right now and have missed the past two weeks of work ..... and the next few to come. The situation came as quite a surprise ..... but, stuff happens.

The good news is that I am still enjoying music at home thanks to my Decware based audio system and will be in Peoria in spirit.

I hope to put this "bump in the road" behind me and see everyone at the 2009 DecFest.

I will be checking the forum threads as time and health permit ..... 8-)

Best wishes to all ..... and have a great Fest,

Randy

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by ZYGI on 09/24/08 at 02:21:44

Randy,

Sorry to hear of your misfortune, and hope for a 100% recovery. We will be thinking about you, and pray for your health.

Best wishes,
Bob

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by 88-ranger on 09/24/08 at 15:34:16

Edit: They called tonite and changed the date to Friday night.....so We will be getting in on Saturday....woohoo my favorite day!

Really Looking forward to this year. Sure can't wait to hang out again. Will miss some people(our thoughts are with you), but hopefully meet some others.......This is our third year, but will be a short one - :'( I have to DJ (with my Pro12's) Saturday night :) so we will only be there thursday night, Friday and leave Saturday morning.

Dave

ps: I am the one with the 4 legged critics, and boy are they excited too!

pps: My new convertible is rarin to go.....last year it was in the shop but now its DECFEST OR BUST!!!

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Lon on 09/24/08 at 16:38:13

Randy, so sorry to hear of this. I have a strong feeling you are going to be just fine soon.

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by jpv on 09/24/08 at 17:28:16

Randy,
I was looking forward to hanging out with you and the rest of the guys. I hope all goes well and you recover soon.
Feel better
John

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Doorman on 09/24/08 at 23:32:48

Randy: Best Wishes for a speedy recovery!
Don

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Dirty_Dawg on 09/25/08 at 05:38:39

That's rough, Randy.
Hope things work in your favor. I'm inclined to expect that they will.

Godspeed!

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Dirty_Dawg on 09/25/08 at 05:43:16

Can't make it again this year, guys.

I'm not far away, either. If I did not have to be at work at six AM on Saturday and five Am on Sunday, I'd be there with BOOTS ON.
Maybe another time.
Looking forward to the wrap-up posts.

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Randy in Caintuck on 09/25/08 at 20:41:50

I want to thank everyone for the kind thoughts and concerns ..... : )

I would ask that everyone possible attend the 2008 DecFest and have a great time. Steve, DeVon and Bob work very hard every year to make this unique event a success. All of those who have attended in the past know that the DecFest is so much more than a mere "promotional event" ..... it's a true labor of love provided by music lovers for music lovers.

If you have never attended, do yourself a big favor and meet all of the wonderful folks that make each year better than the last.

See you in '09 ......

Randy

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by stone_of_tone on 09/26/08 at 22:50:22

Randy, get well soon. I'll never forget when I walked in on Decfest 2005 and you guys were listening to Miss Alison......very nice it was. Her and Plant are not to shabb as of late. However, delaying the Zep Tour.

Peace, Stone of Tone

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by DeVon on 09/26/08 at 23:43:25

Ok, Im going grocery shopping this weekend. If anyone knows they will make it but has not posted, now would be a good time to do so. Of course there will be plenty of food and for sure it will taste scrumcious. Im just tryin to get some idea of how many.

Randy....... I am soooo sad :'( Hope you are well soon, and you will stay in my prayers. We'll send a guinness back with Dave for you. Keep us posted.

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by gexter on 09/27/08 at 00:12:13

Randy!
Hey buddy I hope you get better soon. May your road to recovery be lightening fast, I will be thinking of you.

And Everyone going to Decfest have a great time, Lets face it with the company of people going and the gracious hosts how could you not.

Gex
Cheers!

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by DPC on 09/27/08 at 03:44:51

You gonna make soup?

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by DeVon on 09/27/08 at 07:03:00

I think I might be lynched if I didn't make soup. ;D Of course I am. Tryin out a new meatball recipe too.

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by DPC on 09/27/08 at 12:55:32

I'm in! :D

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by stone_of_tone on 09/27/08 at 14:03:36

Got to have the soup! I'm coming on down DeVon. I will drive along the River as you suggested too. Wow, it has been 3 years for me.

Stone of Tone

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Steve Deckert on 09/27/08 at 16:45:01

Well, first off, Randy you have our prayers. It will feel odd without you here.

As you know last year I tried to set up a zen cam for the fest, it worked somewhat but what a process. Funny how these new cams all lead to paying someone else to make them work for you... In any case, I have purchased another one that will work in low light and have set it on a dedicated server here at the office with a static IP address.

Unlike last year, this year in addition to the video send, there will be a non-compressed CD quality stereo feed of the event!

I have set up a stereo array of professional microphones in the center of the listening room and am running them through the mixer from my old studio via fire wire to the dedicated server. I will allow you to hear all the conversation and music in the room with a surprising degree of accuracy (sound quality). For example, it will be easy to hear what all the gear sounds like (I've been testing that part) making VIRTUAL attendance truly possible.

NOTE: A good set of headphones plugged into your computer while you watch is doing a respectable job of letting you hear the respective differences between components.

I have set up the stream so that you can just click on the link and windows media player will open and play the stream. I will post the link on Thursday night here in this thread.

Because of the huge bandwidth of the feed (since it has non-compressed CD quality audio) is a factor, I am pushing it to a large server that will have no issues sending the feed to as many people as want to watch it. On that note, I expect this to horrifyingly expensive so it may not be repeated next year.

I will be paying by the meg for the bandwidth so when you quit watching be sure to close your media player. I will likely try to archive the whole event provided the hard drive on my server is big enough with the intension of making a couple DVD's so that people who want a copy of it can get one.

And Randy, I'll give you an alternate direct IP and port address to connect to my server (which costs me nothing) in the event we have to pull the broadcast off the web for monetary reasons. ;)

On a different subject - I have the lower half of the listening room finished for this years fest. All but the floor. I plan to put cork flooring in for acoustic reasons, but need time with the new room to decided for sure so meanwhile I've just painted it and tossed a small area rug in there. I'll post some pictures of it this weekend sometime.

REMEMBER, the fest starts Friday at noon and ends Sunday at 5:00 PM.
Do not arrive before this time. Bob, Dave, Paul and possibly one other who I've been in contact with be arriving Thursday to help set things up.

NEW PRODUCT, there will some yes. The long awaited replacement for the Radials model RL-1.5's will be making their debut. Also it looks like my latest secret project is ready for this years fest. It was a spontaneous idea we had one night for a new amplifier... I think it's going to stun quite a few people so I'm anxious to present it.

As I get things ready this week I may post some pictures.

Steve

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Doorman on 09/27/08 at 18:42:13

Great news for those of us who can't attend!
We'll at least be able to participate to some degree.
Thanks for making those efforts, Steve (et al)!
Don
quality products, and actually caring about your customers= a retailer worthy of support!

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by stone_of_tone on 09/27/08 at 19:11:00

Wow Steve, Friday morning when I turn the key in my Van can't come soon enough!

Stone of Tone

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by stone_of_tone on 09/29/08 at 18:27:28

The New Amp
The Replacement 1.5
6N2P in the I.2
The Listening Rooms
The Torii Mk II (in which the ease of transparency still haunts me since my visit in 2005)
Good food, good beer & good people

What do you SAY GUYS & GALS?
If your within a 6hr radius it is well worth the price of gas to make the trip. Heck, you can sleep in your Mini Van (like me). Don't forget your toothbrush, bottled water and cooler. 8-)

Stone of Tone

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by DeVon on 10/01/08 at 20:01:07

If anyone needs last minute instructions on how to get to our place, you can call this number: 309.669.7041. This number is only for DECFEST questions, I guess you could call it the DECFEST hotline. lol
Anyway, someone should be available on it Friday - Sunday.
Everyone have a safe trip and we will see you in a few days !!

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Audio Addict on 10/03/08 at 01:37:03

Hi

What time does everything start? I am over in Bloomington and was going to try to come over Friday afternoon. Also, in scanning the posts, I am not sure I know where to go.

Thanks.

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by DeVon on 10/03/08 at 02:10:52

Hi,

Actually starts around noon on Friday, so anytime after that would be great. I will pm the directions to you.

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Audio Addict on 10/03/08 at 03:18:42

Thanks. I couldn't PM you back since I didn't have the minimum posts.

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Audio Addict on 10/03/08 at 03:22:57

You should set up a link on Head-Fi to your live link since you posted the notice over their.

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Brett on 10/04/08 at 05:37:39

Randy,

I shed a tear for you brother. Prayers be with you.

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Audio Addict on 10/04/08 at 12:44:05

I just wanted to say thanks to Steve and DeVon. Had a great time chatting with everyone Friday. Great bunch of people.

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by stevef on 10/05/08 at 16:14:45

We just learned of Randy's illness. May you have a speedy & complete recovery. Our prayers are with you.

Steve & Julie

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by veryoldcat on 10/06/08 at 04:21:20

Hi Randy,

I'd always hoped (against hope) to be able to make it to a Decfest to meet you, but have never been able to get it together (due to timing and distance).

TERRIBLY terribly sorry to hear of your health difficulties, and hope they clear up like a rough patch in the road that is soon behind! Get well, dude, and hopefully we'll talk over a Guinness one day.

Cheers,
Karl

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by selmerdave on 10/07/08 at 02:42:51

Randy,

Just wanted to give you my best wishes in dealing with your health issues, I hope for as speedy and easy a recovery as possible.

Dave

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Randy in Caintuck on 10/07/08 at 15:36:08

Many thanks again to all those wishing me well .....

The doctors tell me that I am responding unusually well to treatment and are expecting a full recovery. The old saying about "if you don't have your health you don't have anything" means a lot more to me these days. When you are used to being in good health and feeling great the majority of the time, it's no fun being sick .....

Best wishes to all my buds on the forum,

Randy

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by veryoldcat on 10/08/08 at 00:31:56

Great news, Randy,

Back into the Guinness in no time!

Karl

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by davedutill on 10/08/08 at 20:37:27

Hi all

Just wondering if anyone else enjoyed the new lil integrated as much as I did. Perhaps folks will be able to get a word or two in after the fest :-?

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Doorman on 10/08/08 at 23:24:23

Randy: Glad to hear you're on the road to health!-- (hoping you have health ins. too!)
Don

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Young_SC on 10/08/08 at 23:35:38

Randy, good to hear your on the mend ahead of expectations. I know you've got someone who's looking after you.

On another note, are we expecting some pics from the weekend?!?

Simon

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by davedutill on 10/09/08 at 19:51:46

Hey Simon

I'll be posting most of the pics I took at the fest very soon.

Hopefully I will be poppin open a Guiness with Randy in the next few days. Get his ears on the new Excalibur speakers.

Take care

Dave

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Young_SC on 10/09/08 at 23:32:36

Well, that should bring him back to full recovery :)

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by mike_gagne on 10/13/08 at 03:03:06

Well guys, it doesn't makes much sense to spend the money in gas to travel to DECFEST to meet a bunch of snobby audiophiles when you could go to CES...and actually find them so I think it's pretty obvious Chevelles comments were tongue & cheek. :P

Thanks for the Zen-like response and defusing the situation. Not owning one your amplifiers yet is one thing (I am scheming on it) but its great to see such good attitude. You've sold me for sure. Now I just need a little more money. aloha.......

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by Dirty_Dawg on 10/14/08 at 21:16:35

Zen-like indeed. Steve D. seems like a real "class act".
There are quite a few here I would love to meet some day in person.

I'll tell you a secret, Mike. When I bought my first Zen C amp, it was purchased from a member here and I had never before heard a Decware amp, but I just had to "know for myself" what I have been missing. Another thing is that I had never met the man I bought the second-hand amp from, only talked with him on the forum. Yet, I felt secure enough to put a money order in the mail with his name on it.

I was not disappointed. I think the regular, long standing members are an amazing bunch. My compliments to them and to Steve Deckert's organization itself for accumulating such a diverse and respectable "fan base" of knowledgeable audio nutZ.

One of these days, one of these days ...
I'll make it to Decfest.

Sounds like you guys had a great time!
(more pics!)

Title: Re: 2008 DECFEST
Post by mike_gagne on 10/19/08 at 00:33:40

I discovered Decware in a search for speaker foams for an old set I had that turned to dust in the course of 20 years. I ordered and they got lost in the mail and finally returned to Decware. An email arrived telling me a new pair had been mailed out and it arrived in 3 days this time. They not only worked great but made me want to find out more. Small things like great customer service really count and I will be spending more money on equipment and you can guess where it will go. aloha