Figured I’d start the 2023 Decfest thread in the General Discussion section to build critical mass before it gets moved to the Decfest section where it actually belongs.  I feel like we were discussing Decfest 2022 way before July and then registrations opened up during the first half in August.

To the extent Steve is going to organize the 2023 event—-I am planning to re-attend and would love to reunite with folks from last year as well as any of the forum members who couldn’t make it last year.  It is such a great opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts, enjoy Steve’s rig and hospitality, and leave with some friends, and learnings (or two).

So a show of hands, if you will, to get a sense of who’s planning to attend —to build up the excitement for this years fest!

Listening, learning, and connecting happens organically as you venture from place to place—-Steve’s rig to the shed, where Randy is doing his thing, to the porch area, to the backyard around the bonfire and even within the confines of Steve’s woodworking shop.  I had meaningful interactions in all of these places over the course of my two days last year.

That said, I was noodling on the possibility of a structured bonfire gathering where we can grill Steve and other learned members about all things audio.  I know it’s taking a leaf out of what typical Audio conventions do when they have talks or panels in parallel to the exhibitors—but done in a more informal fireside chat setting vs. being mic’d up in a hotel meeting room.

Maybe this is silly idea but I figured, what the heck, a silly idea might lead to something interesting and shake things up (not that things need shaking), and the opportunity for all or most of us to be in the same place at the same time, seems like too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Think of the “Exploring Bass Discussion” by GroovySauce, De-Coupling or Coupling or dedicated circuits thread that I started, or Same Old DD’s exploration in to DIY speakers, but in real-time—and in a more intimate setting.  There are so many topics to explore and inquiring minds want to learn!  We could vote on 3-4 discussion topics and concentrate on peppering the esteemed panel with our questions? Perhaps Steve can use his video rig to livestream this fireside chat for members who can’t attend?

Again, this could be the silliest idea in the world and feel free to tell me so. Regardless of whether we end up doing this or not, I look forward to another great Decfest.

Cheers,

Kamran

Thanks for the vote of confidence Randy.  Based on your feedback, I already have a great name for the shindig:

“A Fireside Chat with Audio Wizards”

If that is not going to attract members, I don’t know what will  :)

Agreed—either way, we’re going to get our heads wrecked!

Good Morning MD,

No, I did not receive one.

I had a similar issue with the RSVP email.  Thought it might have been my lack of computer smarts.

This year will mark over twenty years of continued attendance of Deafest.  The first week of October is often the last week of pleasant weather in these parts.  It is a great chance to put a face on the folks that post on these forums.

I am in agreement with Kamran' suggestion to have a structured Q&A session with the Zen Master himself.  This would give those who can't attend something more than just seeing a bunch of people moving around.

Just my thoughts

I haven’t received the invite yet (oh, the irony) and have reached out to Sarah to investigate.

Thanks for the support Paul!  Would love to hear from more prospective attendees as well as folks who will be following the live stream.  Looking forward to reconnecting.

So far—-attendees that I know will be returning:

Paul2
Yours Truly
GroovySauce
Palamino

I just returned the RSVP .....

If I am still on this side of the sod, I will be there .....

Looking forward to seeing everyone,
Randy

Hi Kamran,

I just got to this.  I haven't been on the forum much due to spending lots of time in Michigan doing outdoor stuff.

I am planning on going.  I did get an invite.  I assumed it was because I'm on the mailing list.

I think Lonely Raven and Bad Wolf of CDApS fame will be attending again this year as well.

Won't be the same.  Sorry I missed you last year Donnie.

Thanks for confirming Tom.  I was just looking at flights to Chicago the other day—still seem a bit expensive— I am going to wait a little while longer.  I am deliberating whether to do what I did last year (fly into Chicago and driving West to Peoria) vs. flying in to Peoria (which will involve flying in to Charlotte first so there’s a connection involved).

Donnie—that’s disappointing . I was looking forward to connecting with you this year around. I think you left early last year, right?

Updating my list of known attendees who have confirmed their attendance so far:

Paul2
Yours Truly
GroovySauce
Palamino
LonelyRaven
Bad Wolf
Randy in Caintuck

Still haven’t given up on the fireside chat idea.  Going to reach out to the Deckerts soon.

There goes the neighborhood.

Add me to the list. I am bringing my homemade Bluetooth speakers and coffee.

Flights and hotel booked today.  Landing in Chicago the day before and driving to Peoria the next morning. This just reminded me that I need to book the rental as well.

Update on the fireside chat:  Steve is up for it!  That said, not sure yet if it’s going to be an esteemed panel of audio experts sharing their wisdom or a panel made of the Deckert family giving us a sneak peak behind the curtain of how the business is run and taking your questions.  That is Steve’s call.  I’m happy to coordinate/moderate either option.

Additional thoughts/comments welcome!

Bob, welcome aboard (adding your name to the list).

I ended up booking the same hotel as last year—The Hampton Inn East Peoria, which is a 13 min drive to Decware.  I recall at least one other Decfest participant from last year who stayed at the same hotel.  Of course, there are many others (most on the other side of the river, which adds to the commute).  Good luck with your search!


SteveB
Paul2
Kamran
GroovySauce
Palomino
LonelyRaven
Bad Wolf
Randy in Caintuck
Jpv
Kulafu

OK, I had to rearrange my fall schedule because of unforeseen issues. So, it looks like there will be time to attend Decfest this year.
I will most likely depart from Pittsburgh area early on Friday morning to be in Peoria around noon. If anyone is interested, I am up to share a room and/or carpool.
Hmmmm, I never got a notice from Decware this year? What are the dates?
John

Registered yesterday for Decfest. Was surprised to see that there was only 7 spots left out of 100. For those on the fence, best decide before there is no more availabilty.

Badass? Hmmm...might have to clad with skull cap, black leather shirt, pants, and boots

That news makes attending Decfest sound even more enticing. A chance to enjoy some awesome music is always something to treasure. Besides Mr. Deckert, Don is someone I want to meet.

Hey Tom,

He said he was driving down this time so he’s not restricted by flight times, plus this will give him the ability to bring more gear to the fest.  So I think it’s a safe assumption that he’s going to stick around for both days.

I’m actually very intrigued to hear a cryo’d amp vs stock.  Funny, I accidentally discovered an old thread (from 2019) where GroovySauce Had posted about Cryo’d amps.  At the time, Wathen and Cryotone were not on anyone’s radar and so nobody really seemed to know whether cryo really made a difference or was snake oil.  Fast forward to 2023, I think Cryotone has safely passed the test in terms of cryo’d tube performance, but I’ve been separately wondering whether anyone has taken advantage of their amp cryo service.  Maybe post fest, once Don can show us a demo.

Thanks CA James—missed that thread as I haven’t explored the UFO25 sub forum apart from the 25th anniversary thread.  This is certainly promising.

I’m actually contemplating whether it makes sense to have my Sarah go straight to Don (perhaps he can drive it back to Texas!) and just get it cryo’d from the get go vs. having to disrupt my listening sessions for a few weeks later down the road. Of course, the downside to that is that I won’t be able to tell the difference between stock and cryo’d, which does bother me.

Typically I wouldn’t even entertain this thought, but I’m not in a position to do any listening for the next month anyways as we are remodeling our house and I am trying to keep my basement listening room sealed from excess dust as renovations take place.  Today actually marks the first full week of non-listening. I expect my parts to be pulled next week, so the amp (hopefully) should be ready just before Decfest.  In sheer frustration of the timing of the renovation, I was talking to my son the other day and was asking him whether to do the unthinkable and ask Sarah to delay my Sarah and he was like no, just get it so we can stare at the box at least!

#firstworldproblems

I’ve exciting news to share.  Plans are coming to fruition regarding the fireside chat.

When: Saturday, Oct 7th
Time: 7 Pm
Where: Steve’s backyard, right next to the shop.
Panelists: Steve Deckert and Don Thomas
Moderator: Yours Truly
Duration: 1 hr

Recording the fireside chat is a logistical issue—it will take up too much space on one device.  That said, if there are any volunteers who are willing to record the Q&A session on their phones (basically breaking it out in to 4 ppl—so no one person has more than 15 min of video), we could then send the clips to Steve for consideration of posting it on the Decware Youtube channel for the benefit of members who aren’t able to attend. Otherwise, it remains a good tease or motivation for members to participate as the only way to experience it!

Steve prefers it unscripted but we also want to manage the time well, so no one is away from the listening room for long (after all, that’s the main attraction).  Therefore, please start sending me questions. You can PM me and I will collate.  I’m pretty sure I’d should be able to get in all the questions, in the unlikely event that I have to cut it, I am sure you can catch a hold of Steve or Don separately.

Looking forward!

I won’t be able to attend. I love the idea of being able to watch the chat either live or recorded.

Thanks Kamran. If I were able to attend the festivities, I’d be glad to offer any assistance, but unfortunately I’ll have to be content with catching some of the livestream from home. I certainly understand not wanting to inconvenience anyone. The Decware crew are already so gracious in all they do to host such an event. Hopefully there can be a way to make the chat available for those of us who are unable to attend. I’m sure there will be a lot of great discussion and insight.

I’ll be sleeping in a van down by the river.  

Actually a shower sounds nice. What’s the name of the campground?

The way to deal with connectivity by the fire pit is to set up a WIFI hot spot using a phone.  We do this whenever the internet goes down and it's actually I think even faster.

If anyone decides to take it on, I would practice outside in a dimly lit area to see what kind of picture quality you can get.

Palomino the campground is called Millpoint. It is a 2 mile drive from Decware.  Millpoint offers tenting areas and a handful of tent camp sites with electric and water. Two adults and two vehicles are permitted on the latter. I will call today to see if there is a tent site available.

Kamran I have a couple of 600 watt stage lighting cans(with tripods) left over from the DJ rig. There is also white diffusers. Could throw one of those in the trunk if you wish.