Zerogain System

Hi all,

I don't know if this is the right place or this post but, following Thorston's post regarding the Heathrow show next year, my mind sprung to the possibility of a forum collaboration in producing a DIY system that shows what can be done via the internet.

As you may know I am currently researching building some high end speakers and the thought struck me that we've got people on here who can design speakers, build them, design and build amplifiers and many a cable specialist.

So why not have a bit of fun and get Zerogain on the map?

 

Excellant idea

Im no designer, but a can chuck a soldering iron around with precision.

 

iirc tonyl at pfm had an idea along similar lines a year or so ago. maybe have a collaboration room where an old school flat earth system (linn / naim) and a newer rounder system (as you suggest) can be played back to back or one for one day and the other the next.
cheers


julian

 

It a good idea , but just remeber its an average of £1800 to hire the room, plus expenses & time/set up, first I would get a good idea of how many ARE prepared to put up some cash first

 

Absolutely Tony,

I would imagine that Thorston's idea will see room costs somewhat lower, as it will be difficult to get amateurs to stump up £2K to show their labours.

The emphasis would have to be on DIY, without a major commerical interest and with proper backing. Other forums have carried out similar joint projects with funding and time being given for the simple pleasure of doing something a little different.

Wouldn't it be great to put the ego's to one side just for once and see what can be done. Plus a little competition with another forum would add a little spice.

I'd love us to go head to head with PF at a show, winner takes all

An idea over at Lansing Heritage was to have a private forum, open only to those working on the project and contributors. Seems to work quite well and you should see the results!

 

Well i would hope to have my DIY TT complete by then.

Also my phono stage, although that is using a pre-made PCB, would that count?

 

Hi,

The discussion at the moment is towards rooms for individual Kit Makers with one or two large rooms/suites one forbably mainly for "grabble tables" and one for lectures/audio concert etc.

The Kit makers rooms will be obviously open to all show visitors, the other program items will be available to people who pay for the "DIY Show element", there will be an offer that includes hotel rooms.

Quite frankly, if we get 50 people to sign up for the prgramme and DIY Event (there will be obviously limited spaces) the cost will be reasonable. I am trying to get a feel for what people would like to get and what we can make work before I get Roy Bird to caclculate pricing etc.

A group to discuss the whole "show in a show" is up and running, please join if you want to chip in:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/London-calling

Ciao T

 

Each year I leave the Heathrow show I think 'JC I could do better than THAT'. Whether I could or couldn't only trying would tell but I've a mind to try. With a bit of sponsorship it could be done at no cost other than time and at least I'd spend 3 days listening to proper music.

 

So, do we have any volunteers to print the obligatory T-shirts?

It seems like a good idea but I'm not sure I understand how you propose to fund the project. Does the designer/builder of a particular hardware get to keep it after the demo? and how do you fund the actual demo?

Not trying to dampen your spirits guys, genuine question.

 

Dev,

A lot would need to be sorted out I grant you.

One possiblity is that whilst the designer(s) of the individual elements could of course keep the kit, they would agree to supply further examples to fellow contributors at parts cost.

Another alternative is raffling off the kit via the forums. We'd need to get a costing together and look for a few main contributors as well as some generosity from forum members who, whilst not wanting an active role, would like to contribute in some way (possibly with the chance to build their own dream setup later).

One thing is true, it would require commitment in both time and energy to make it work. But it would be a great way to show a positive side to the internet (and hopefull make RG eat his own ass!)

 

Thanks Merlin,

Would it be possible to list various ways in which the ZG volunteers could contribute? I mean it doesn't necessarily mean donating money (although that might help!). Almost feel like part of the community

 

why not turn it into a business venture? if you can really create a giant killer!

 

Blake,

That wouldn't really be the point IMO, although there's nothing to stop that happening. It would be up the those involved I guess.

We need a concensus of those who might want to get involved really. Let's see. I don't even know if Michael might be interested in getting involved - I know he enjoyed the show last year.

 

I was thinking to show my system there but since the big rooms have already gone and since I'm not sure that my contract will be renewed next year, I'm more for not exhibiting. Maybe the year later but I will also need to find some valid justification for doing this step.

 

merlin - I'm definitely interested in getting involved, and have discussed something similar before with WM. Unfortunately my "2 weeks in Lisbon, 2 weeks in London" schedule usually torpedoes most things like this for me . I'd consider bringing along my DIY PWM amp but realistically it's a long shot.

EDIT: just seen the show dates: 2/3 April. I definitely can't make it as I'll be in South Africa for a wedding then

Michael.

 

A real shame you can't make it Michael, but SA over Heathrow is a no brainer!

I'll try to get some costings and come back. Anyone seriously interested in contributing and showing do let me know. No point in wasting time if no one fancies it.

From a selfish point of view, I'd like to show some really big speakers and see if we can put a smile on people's faces. It would be both good for the forum from the point of view of exposure, and could also act as a spring board for those interested in a later commercial venture.

So our chance to play with the trade for a few days and hopefully show people the level of knowledge available on the internet. I will discuss things with some who have already expressed an interest and hopefully come up with a paln to make this happen.

 

merlin,
how about using a computer audio front end?
cheers


julian

 

Good idea Julian,

A squeezebox type implementation tweaked up with a funky power supply and other choice items to show that computer audio when done properly is not crap. We could then do comparisons between that and a high end CD player and even vinyl

 

my thoughts exactly.
cheers


julian

 

maybe we should get this guy involved...
http://home5.inet.tele.dk/f-hammer/welcome.htm

cheers


julian