My AK Fest Experience; First and Probably My Last.

[Fisher-Dave]

*quote Wigwam Jones*

Oh and one last thing - did you check out the 'AK Member' rooms? Lots of AK guys had their DIY, low-cost, vintage, and other non-nose-bleed expensive stuff there. Some of it sounded terrific!

THAT, I can afford.

The nice thing about AK and AK Fest for me is that I can go there with a bunch of guys who have WAY more money than I do, and while they might be able to buy that top-end kit and I can't - they never act like they're better than me. That means a lot to me.==


True. Dave Newman and Ed took the time to sit and show me step by step how they built some DIY tube gear.Truly two fine gentlemen. I am certain that others would do the same :yes:

Again,true,there is costly gear I can't toutch either but out of all honesty, these guys believe it's all about enjoying what you have and never treat anyone any different for having a lesser system. There's a system out there for all wether it be worth 5 bucks, or worth a war pention. I listen to a setup there that was using a low cost Pioneer receiver for power that sounded very nice. I guess what I'm trying to say here is I learned from these guys that I am the only one that should matter what my system sounds like,or is worth, as long as I like what I hear.

 

[Wigwam Jones]

I was not there this year. I wish that I could have been... I would have loved to have had the opportunity you had.

I would have liked that too. Especially after what I heard coming of a set of speakers on Sunday, bud.

As to the camaraderie of old buds, and so forth, I know maybe five of six people at AK Fest by sight - a few more by screen name. I just crash around for myself and act obnoxious. Works fine for me.

 

[BajaGringo]

But more importantly, you walked into a place filled with my friends. A building packed to the rafters with some of the best & kindest people I've ever known. Those "old men" have treated me like a brother, and have given of their time and energy over and over, till I know I'll never balance the scales. One of my proudest achievements as a human being is to be counted in their number, to be one of them.

I understand your point - I am just saying take a moment and look at it from his point of view. This group is full of your friends, people you have established a relationship with. He came in knowing not a single soul. I already suggested that he should have reached out to meet some of the folks and make a connection. It also sounds like maybe some of the members could have recognized they were in their own little groups and perhaps made an effort to reach out to the newbies.

Not picking on anybody, just trying to give a neutral point of view. To be honest, the more I read I get the feeling that I probably won't go to one of these events either anytime in the future. Sounds more and more like a gathering of old friends who already know each other and not designed to attract new blood. Maybe I'm wrong. I am just going to sit back and read the followup and see how it plays out...

 

[Fisher-Dave]

OK I'm tired, time to crash, 3 days of staying up till 4am and partying with a
bunch of good people has taken it's tole on me, peace brothers!

I welcomed anyone and everyone into my room with a handshake and an intro!!

CAN'T WAIT TLL NEXT YEAR! (Already got next years amplifier project in my head)

Was a pleasure Keg, can't wait till next year.

Can't think of anyone I didn't enjoy meeting as always.:thmbsp:

 

[Justen]

Me and Kegger could both dance for you. Oooh, baby. Makes me fell warm all over.

Makes me feel something all over. Not so much warm, unless that is another way of describing a slightly ill sensation...

 

[Celadon]

I wasn't even there so I can only try to read between the lines. You mention the "camaraderie" and I understand the value in that. So imagine the perspective of a newbie who walks into rooms where he feels like he is breaking up private conversations between friends. It is not a very comfortable feeling and probably contributed to him wanting to make an early escape and not having an overall good feeling about the event. Maybe some of the old timers who arrive knowing many or most of the faces could make an effort to help reach out to the new faces. I would if I wanted to help make the event continue to grow.

More people means more exposure for the sponsors meaning more support from them. Just seems like common sense.

But what do I know...

I wasn't in attendance either, but the camaraderie thing that I was speaking of is just what AK seems to be all about, (for me at least) and it seems that the Fest would only amplify that.


It's all good ---

 

[SubWolfer]

OK, well, I'm really trying to be nice and you were very polite and said not to flame you, so I really don't want to.

But what you're saying is that you wanted the room layout to be different - well it is a hotel, not sure how that happens, do we tear out the walls for you??

I have been to seminars and other venues at hotels and it's not like they don't have big huge rooms to offer up. Almost any hotel of size has conference rooms.

And you want the male-female ratio to be different - ok go round up some willing female audiophiles, I guess - good luck, we haven't been too good at that ourselves up to now, and you have a 'too many guys' tweek - well sorry, but really, son, I spent six years in the Marines sleeping in a room with 80 other guys, if five or so bother you, you might consider that you've got an issue going on there.

You know what, scratch the female thing. I know I'm in the wrong there. I had a few beers tonight. So just disregard what I said about no women being there. I have no issues and I further realize that this is mostly a guy kinda hobby. Sorry about bringing up the female to male ration factor.

And as to the laughing and dancing. Well, I laughed the whole time (ask anyone) and hell man, I'll dance for you, but you'll probably claw your own eyeballs out to get the memory out of your brain.

Point taken, LOL I'm just trying to let y'all know that there could be some improvements for new first time attendees. I don't want to rock the boat. Just wanted to give ya my perspective. Thanks for not flaming me for it.

 

[1968jatorocket]

SubWolfer, I think that I know what you are saying that the show was a little standoffish. There were a few vendors that didn't talk much, well that is until you talk too them. The David Michael Audio rep was more than happy to spend time B.S.ing with me about the audio equipment that he was selling. I think in some way he was a bit bummed because not many people were bringing in their own music (at least when I was there). He found it a thrill to hear what others like to hear in his system. I know that I was in a hurry and forgot to burn a test CD my self, so I guilty. I would like to thank the vendors that let me play something other than Jazz or classical. I believe it was the rep in the Audio Space room that let me play Madman across the water in SACD. That really made the show for me. There was another vendor that let me contaminate the room with Muddy Waters, way cool with the dipole speakers :thmbsp:.
I would like to say that I had more fun last year as it seemed that more vendors brought in more equipment to display. What I mean is that some vendors last year brought in 5 sets of speakers to listen too, 3 or 4 amps, and a couple of different sources. This year I found that most vendors brought in one system and it was probably their best system. I know that there were vendors that had multi rooms Salk/Audio Van Alstine and Superior Sight and Sound Esoteric/Bel Canto are at the top of mind.
I would like to thank the AK Members that were kind enough to bring their personal equipment. I was generally blown away by the innovation of the DIY crowd. Squidward's equipment was easily as good sounding as much of the high end price equipment. Not to mention that he was nice enough to sit and b.s. with me about his upgraded B.H. FP3 preamp. There was another member that had probably one of the nicest sounding speakers that I heard, sorry that I forgot you name, but those tall twin Fostex drive speakers were killer!!! I’m not sure, but I bet there were more members in the hotel with open arms, but unfortunately I had other obligations on Saturday to seek you out.
In the end I enjoyed the show and I will be back next year, but with an amp in one arm and music another so I can test some speakers with my equipment. - John

 

[Justen]

In the end I enjoyed the show and I will be back next year, but with an amp in one arm and music another so I can test some speakers with my equipment. - John

A fine, fine attitude.

Hell, I "knew" lots of people there, at least by their user name. From there I simply stuck out my hand, introduced myself, and started BSing. But I only really knew a couple prior to this weekend. I find that introductions and asking questions to be excellent ways to begin conversations...any of the DIY member rooms were very inviting places and simple question usually brought more information than my limited brain could handle!

 

[1968jatorocket]

In my stupidity, I did not put my member ship name on my nametag. I'm sure that this could have helped break in to conversation even if I do not post much. Other will recognize a member and want to talk.

Justen, thanks. I debated bringing my stuff this year, but I was short on time Saturday and not able to make it today. Hope to see more guys next year. - John

 

[MrGee]

SubWolfer,


I am uniquely qualified in answering this post...look at my join date.
I sit here now, at 1:50 AM, in a lousy motel, half of the 14 hour drive home and it is funny, I dont feel anything like you do.

First off, this needs to be gotten out of the way first.
SOME of us are GLAD that hi-end audio does not glorify the degradation of women. Half bared breasts and ass is just that, no matter how you slice it. If there were thinly clad models rubbing crotches on this years tube integrated amps, I would not be returning.
(Would you want your daughter showing her body to tongue hanging perverts?)

I hear your point about the high priced gear.
But you obviously did not see all the rooms, because a full 1/3 of the show was the lower priced stuff/DIY-friendly/AK Member room oriented.
Did you not read the site devoted to the fest? I did. It was exactly what I thought it would be from the sites description.

(My show favorite has offerings starting at around 300 bucks.)

You cannot have a show that is about audio in a big room. It just cannot work. Each room needs a little bit of privacy to hear the system. Drawn curtains meant nothing but sound proofing.

The show was there for you to browse the rooms. EVERY one that I looked in contained a friendly face inviting me in and asking me if I brought some music or if I had any questions. I do understand about conversations stopping, but did you ever think they were giving you a chance to open your mouth and say something? "Hi, I am XXXXXXX, and I am looking for XXXXXXX and I like your modelXXXXXX but had this concern about it." WHATEVER. Shake a hand and say hello. There were no snobs showing gear. (Well, almost none.)

I joined AK a couple weeks ago. I knew NO ONE. You know what? I did not give a s@#$ either. I was there to see the gear, hear the gear and if I met some people...so be it.
There were a couple of snobberies in the Audio Note room when I went in there. I cleared them by telling the rep I had some Hank Williams Jr songs specially done by Sid Vicious. (Got rid of them in short order)
I can tell from your post that you felt very intimidated and inferior. I think that comes from within, not the attitude at the fest.
We focus on what we want to. Funny thing is, I was there both days and I loved it, made at least 5 new friends, 3 business contacts and enjoyed myself a great deal.
Beer gardens and wet t shirt contests it isn't. (Thank God) But the average person attending that fest is just a normal working stiff like anyone else. God, did you seem to get the wrong impression of the people there(who were VERY warm and friendly)
I plan on going back.
If I get to know the crowd here, great. If not...oh well, it will not be because I did not have a positive 'tude...wet t shirts or not.

I think we should have a MALE wet t shirt contest. (Who might win that one hmmmm)
10-4 good buddy...

 

[BajaGringo]

Hell, I "knew" lots of people there, at least by their user name.

Check out your post count number to the OP's. The fact that you have made so many posts it is likely that you have interacted with many of the members from AK there at the event on multiple occasions, That fact alone, whether or not you had ever met face to face would make it much easier to assimilate into the group at such an event. That he has had very little interaction via posts makes it more likely that he will feel the way he did.

The fact he took the time and effort as well as chance of being flamed to make his original post demonstrates that his experience was just that. Reading his posts I didn't get that he was trying to bash AK or the event - only give an honest account of his experience. From reading the posts of those of you trying so hard to defend the status quo I can better understand where he is coming from. My only point is that if you ever want this thing to really grow you cannot treat this like a good ol' boys club. You have to reach out to the newbies so they will want to come back and become vets themselves and bring more newbies with them next time.

Right now I am getting the sense that I would probably feel like an outsider too if I were to go to one of these events. That is the vibe I get back from those of you who have jumped all over this guy instead of just taking a moment to listen to what he is saying and trying to understand his perspective. If you were ever to get involved in putting on events like this professionally that type of input is critical for future success - not to be ridiculed or kicked aside.

But what do I know...

 

[MrGee]

a newbie-old-timer meet and greet might be nice. Only two things can make that happen though. Coordinated events, or...TEQUILA

 

[SubWolfer]

I have read every response and I know that from what I've read, I'm in the minority. But let me summarize a few points:

1.) It's obvious this is a guys hobby. I'm a guy just like y'all and I love good sounding audio. But I was mistaken to bring the male to female ratio into my reasoning for the disappointing experience I had. I guess I just didn't have a real good feel for walking into these small rooms with all y'all talking amongst yourselves and having a good time. When I walked in not knowing a single soul, I just felt like I was interrupting. Its much easier for me to approach women in this type of setting than men. Thus it made it doubly hard to feel at ease. But regardless, this was not the reason I started this thread so please disregard any comments pertaining to the the lack of women at the AK Fest. That was an inappropriate comment and certainly not any ones fault or something that I should have taken issue with.

2.) Perhaps I walked in with certain expectations when I should have had an open mind. But I can't help the feel and vibe I got. I was definitely an outsider there. It was quite clear this was a family and I just didn't get the feeling I was related. This is probably what caused me to to not enjoy it as much as I was expecting to. I've been to many a show and expo type setups. I never been to one that had such a inner-circle type setting and i guess i was not prepared for such.

3.) The layout was not at all what I was expecting. Small listening rooms I expected. I just didn't realize that EVERY room was going to be a small motel type room. I thought it was going to be more spread out and open. I was wrong though and this too, contributed to my disappointment.

So I just wanted to let you guys know that I'm sorry for not seeing things the way y'all do. You know the old sayin, that you can't please everyone. It sounds like most had a great time. So just keep on with what you do. It's not like I meant to rain on your parade. No sir. I just need to find my nitch with this stuff and I guess AK Fest wasn't it for me. But since it is "right in my backyard" and I know now what its all about, maybe down the road I can give it another shot. The only thing I would like to see changed is what I referred to in #3. I think that one thing would make it more noob friendly.

 

[1968jatorocket]

MrGee, I totally think that you are a bit out of line. You have to remember that his experience is different than yours. Everybody will have a different take on a situation. I'm sure that SubWolfer was not looking for a bar/brothel full of models wearing 78's as pasties! I'm not a huge poster here, but I have been a member for sometime and would like to say that to get angry about one's experience is over the top.
By the sounds of it, you had a much better experience. I'm just as happy that you had a great time as I am disapointed that SubWolfer had a not so good time. I can only say from my point of view that I had a good time and I will be back in the future. By the way, have a safe trip! 14 hour drives are killers. I know, I've driven from Detroit to Memphis a couple of time straight throu. - John

 

[BajaGringo]

Perhaps I am interested more than most in this as in the past few months I have taken on the responsibility of helping to coordinate 9 events to promote Baja this coming summer and fall in the US and Canada. I have begun attending other events in the LA and San Diego areas to critique what I liked and didn't like about the events to learn what we can do to make ours successful. One thing that has stood out to me is that at some of these events I can see where some folks never seem to assimilate on their own and the successful events are those where they make an effort to reach out and pull those folks in. If you want this do be a good ol' boys club and just reminisce amongst yourselves, that's fine and that's what it will be. If you want to use it as an opportunity to promote the group and grow, you need to reach out and make an extra effort to welcome those newbies. Especially if you want continued and greater sponsor support. That's just a reality.

I am not saying that everybody was unfriendly but obviously the OP encountered what he did and I think the group should thank him for his input - not ridicule him. Some people are social butterflies and are at home wherever they go. Others are not and appreciate a warm smile and friendly extended hand to break the ice. With some folks you have to make an effort to get them to open up and talk. Successful events tailor themselves to appeal to all. Learn from it...

 

[bigmacc]

For the record it should be remembered the A.K. Fest was moved to the Embassy on very short notice due to problems at the original site. Also the Fest shared the venue with a large wedding. The rooms had to be open yet at the same time "close" if playing music not to disturb the other non-audio quests.

I have attended every Fest from year two on and consider these events my favourite weekend in the year so my perspective is somewhat clouded. SubWolfer is certainly entitled to his opinion. I wish he had experienced the live music Saturday nite a concert that was simply a "tour de force" an out blues, rock in roll event. There was plenty of fine inexpensive quality stuff for sale but again l can see how it could be miss.

I'm not sure what can be done to address the issues SubWolfer has brought forth. Any Fest will be a tradeoff. One item for new attendees, l'm sure there would be no lack of volunteers to take them on an initial tour while giving them the freedom to venture forth on their own. I personally would have volunteered, all l would have needed was the time and place.

Now it is SubWolfer's choice but l would give the A.K. Fest another chance to experience the potential this event has.

 

[gigidy5]

I wish he had experienced the live music Saturday nite a concert that was simply a "tour de force" an out blues, rock in roll event.

Laith al-saadi Yay. He should have won the guitar center challenge.

 

[PakProtector]

As you say, you are definatly entitled to your oppinion, but you really didn't
give the fest a fair chance as you really need to spend some time there and
check things out a bit, sure there's a bunch of high end/expensive gear in a
good bit of the rooms, but there's also some moderatly priced things as well
(the fest is really paid for by the exhibitors) plus there is plenty of DIY and
vintage there to in the members rooms which were scattered in with the big
manufacturers, the fest is large and it does take some time to see it all/and
or what one might be looking for.

Hope you give it another shot next year, look for the members rooms, they'll
give you more of what you were looking for.

and on the front page, scroll a bit past the Fest page and open the SMAC door. There is local folks with lots of cool stuff, and the May meet is comming up...
cheers,
Douglas

 

[superaudiott]

Yeah, well there I think you're a little off-base. I won't flame you, but you know, if you want hot chicks, go to a bar. This is AK, and a very large contingent of us are typical middle-class, middle-aged, men. Sure, some women get into audio gear, and some husbands and wives share an interest and come to these things together. But really - most of us are a bit past the need to see a swimsuit model explain the characteristic curve of a new speaker design.

Even as a 20-year-old, I couldn't agree more with Wigwam Jones - what did you really expect a slumber party?

However, from the perspective of a young person there are individuals in hi-fi stores who have been very patronising and judgemental and totally uninterested in my custom. But I think that is a general problem rather than anything relating to AK Fest.

If you want this do be a good ol' boys club and just reminisce amongst yourselves, that's fine and that's what it will be. If you want to use it as an opportunity to promote the group and grow, you need to reach out and make an extra effort to welcome those newbies. Especially if you want continued and greater sponsor support. That's just a reality.

Couldn't agree more :yes: