ETF 2018 - More gory details...

The shootout was for single ended triode amps this year...

In order to switch them quickly a main switch board was created...

Some of the contenders...

The Siemens Theater speakers employed for the main system and shoot out.

The test bench...

Klangfilm and Vitavox for sale on the flea market bench...

Have you heard these this yet?!

ETF 2018 Annual Auction

Each year in support of ETF donations are made of things audio. Transformers, antique radios, filament supplies, test equipment and almost anything that has to do with designing, building, and testing triode associated gear are given to the cause to be auctioned off and the revenue applied to ensure current ETF gatherings are possible.

This year Frank Schröder took up the duty of auctioneer.

And turned it into one of the most entertaining of events.

One humorous roasting comment after the next...

To keep us all entertained as the items were bid on and sold in friendly competition sometimes...

Thank you Frank!

ETF 2018 Day 2

Can you believe how these sound?!

Altec Voice of the Theatre with KS12027 horn and what is that driver?

Yamaha vintage speakers with some rather special drivers - way ahead of their time and still holding their own.

Was ist das? Ein Autoradio?

Beautiful turntable creation...

and the GM70 super triode amplifier

High voltage protection....

What are those tubes?

System mascots.

One of the better looking voltage regulators.

Shares its glow.

Honking' transmission triodes waiting for their turn in the system.

Open baffle speakers with current production drivers.

Altec A7 lives on and still sounding rather special.

As many could enjoy.

A7's mate with many different horns very well.

Mascot and Horn.

Jeffrey Jackson and Dave Slagle.

Really special mono system...

and super cool turntable..

Mini

More pictures forthcoming...

ETF 2018 (European Triode Festival)

ETF 2018 has begun!

This year situated in the lovely town of Belleme, France the gathering has begun. Dedicated triode tube aficionados come from all over the globe.

The triode is of course the finest amplifying device ever conceived for the purposes of reproducing sound and music the way humans can hear it.

That is the proposal.

Its symbol is on the door.

It is even on the name tags.

For those who appreciate and savour the finer things...

This year the annual shootout is amplifiers. The contestants will be blind compared in a community assessment of preference in sound.

Of course appropriate ancillary devices must be employed such as efficient loudspeakers.

Both old and new.

...and of course the beautiful triodes themselves....

This was the gathering and setup.

Next will come lectures, discussions, and and demonstrations of individual approaches to implementing and appreciating music with the ancient and lovely triode.