Community Day Trip

Yesterday was one filled with a fantastic overview of the breadth of speakers manufactured by Community in Chester, PA. It was truly an honor to meet one of the true legacy's of professional audio Mr. Bruce Howze. I can't tell you how many times I experience goose bumps even though we kept listening to the same track of Steely Dan. And no it wasn't an MP3. They were thoughtful in playing the same track over and over to assist us in establishing a benchmark for comparing the different models.

The listening room was well appointed and very easy on the eye's and ears.

John Wiggins, a fellow patent holder within Community, provided us with an accelerated factory tour. I say this because the energy and passion inside of John is uncontainable. He desires to share his passion with everyone with great anecdotal stories of the companies evolution and growth. One thing is for certain, this company is a speed boat blasting around the Cruise Ships of the big brand companies.

While they represent themselves as a medium business, they certainly have implemented systems and process which were demonstrative of a large company.

On a side note, walking through the manufacturing facility we were in an assembly area. I took the liberty to interact with one of the technicians and asked "How do you know how to assemble this particular product." Fully expecting to hear, "I assemble these by the hundreds, it's in my head." That answer wouldn't be necessarily wrong, but I was pleased when he quickly pointed to a clipboard in his work area. It was evident that it was being used based upon the documents revealing use. That was icing on the cake for me.

We got a quick glimpse into the Skunk Works of the Bruce Howze laboratory, and meet the man. Very pleasant and genuinely appreciative of our visit.

We took lunch at Harrah's waterfront casino, which was a complete Community Install. Combination of indoor, and their world reknown outdoor speakers. Visiting the grandstand, I was quick to notice that Community is proud of their engineering. Take a look at this Beam Clamp. This thing would work in a Hurricane during a Californian earthquake.

Normally after lunch people are tired and desire a little siesta. However, returning to the listening room we continued to expore additional products. I think that they strategically held the best for last. Well, that's just my opinion.

I fell in love with the Solutions 920 paired with the VLF12.

Tao Zhang, from the TAG group was operating the DSP. He was kind enough to do custom arrangements and combinations. Taking a departure from the Steely Dan, I requested a little Boz Scaggs with the 920's and the TLF218. The bass was a bit strong for the room, but in a more open environment would have been a great selection. Stepping down to the VLF12 brought "We are alone" to life.

In parting, I would be remiss in not acknoledging the project engineered by AVSG's Adam Freemer in the highly recognized Club G installation. This installation is an example of both our organizations talents, and the high quality selection of Community products.

I thank everyone from Community for their hospitality and a great day, and for my company affording me the priveledge of this experience.