What we’re about
Direct Link for New Discussion Forum Posts
**Prospective New Members**
Whether you found us online, by word of mouth, or via the Florida Audio Expo, but haven't heard back from us, please read the Membership Section below for important contact information.
Email Troubleshooting Help if you are not receiving all group emails
History and Mission
The Suncoast Audiophile Society (founded in 1994 as the Tampa Bay Listening Society) is a local group of audio enthusiasts who share an appreciation for great sound. In 2023, the Sarasota Audiophile Society merged into our Suncoast club, and moving forward, we'll schedule listening sessions and demo's throughout the entire FL West Coast (and even some Central FL) regions. The full history of our club can be found here.
We focus on the high fidelity reproduction of music, both analog and digital, using live performance as our benchmark. Our aim is to foster camaraderie, and share knowledge and experiences in support of local audio hobbyists (home theater, too). Some club members are the also the Organizers of the annual Florida Audio Expo in Tampa.
Structure
Due to our continued growth, we'll focus on having members host "smaller scale" listening sessions, gear demo's, etc. throughout our geographic region, for as many attendees as they can accommodate (rotating to listen, if necessary). We'll also host Zoom meetings, with members and/or industry experts covering a variety of audiophile (or home theater) topics. We'll also schedule larger scale in-person meetings, whenever we have a suitable host, larger venue, or live music.
Since Meetup only allows an Organizer to schedule a meeting, please reach out to one of our Board Members or Event Organizers if you'd like to host, and we'll get it posted. Afterwards, as host, you'll have full editing capability to post details, pics if desired, and manage RSVP limit, etc.
We welcome prospective members (age 18+) from the entire Florida Suncoast region, and respectfully require all prospective members to register with their real name (may optionally change last name to an initial, after membership approval).
Our current Board of Directors (all uncompensated volunteers) are...
- Co-Presidents (and Membership Co-Chairs)- Alan N, Mark R, Jeff C, John C, and Arthur F.
- Immediate Past President- Bart A
- Treasurer- Richard S
- Webmaster- Alan N
- Board Members at Large- Gary E, Lenny P, and Bill H.
Membership
Prospective members must complete our brief online questionnaire. We'll follow up with you within ~ 1 week, via the Meetup messaging feature, asking to confirm your full name, phone number, zip code (or address) so we can personally call and answer any questions before approving your membership. Please make sure you forward your phone number when requested. Unfortunately, the Meetup messaging feature has been unreliable, so if you don't hear back from us within a few days, please send an email with your full name and phone number to... suncoastaudiophilesociety@gmail.com
**Dues** (click here for payment options)
$30/yr (reduced from $60/yr) and mandatory for continued membership, regardless of geographic location. Dues cover our website fees and marketing materials, expenses for larger scale meetings, plus occasional live music performances, club giveaways, etc.
**Waiver and Release of Liability**
All club members, by virtue of their request to join and participate in any activity (in person or online) of the Suncoast Audiophile Society (SAS), including related meetings and all other activities, acknowledge and agree to release the SAS from any and all liability whatsoever, and further covenants and agrees that the club member shall not hold said organization, or any of its officers or members liable (solely, jointly, or severally), for any injury or damage whatsoever incurred directly or indirectly during their voluntary participation in any event organized or hosted by the club, nor the premises in which the event occurs.
Donations/Sponsorships
Membership dues only partially subsidize our actual club costs. In order to continue our growth, and provide more varied programming and live music, we welcome additional financial support from local audio, home theater, and music related businesses (members too!). Please contact us if you would like to become a club sponsor or otherwise provide additional financial support.