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My first big audio show

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Posted on June 5, 2017 at 18:07:45
mr.bear
Audiophile

Posts: 4167
Joined: November 13, 2001
 At the LA Audio Show this past weekend I heard a few beautiful things - and a lot of awful sound, the kind that made me cry "don't you people have ears?" (silently, to myself).

The big thrust of the show seemed to center around new streaming technologies; "Roon" was a big item. When dealing so deeply with the bits-and-bytes, the actual sound in the room seemed to have be given short-shrift. I heard some demonstrations of advanced streaming things where I couldn't resolve any meaningful aspects of audio quality because of unfortunate amp/speaker combinations and god-awful room matching issues. So it boiled down to a lot of talk - disappointing, and made me aware of how little I care for new streaming technology, although it's obviously coming to replace digital media of all types.

There were some interesting aspects to the show. There was a massive headphone display area. Who'd have thought $2000 headphones were to establish a benchmark of some sort? Seems crazy reflecting back on the days of my Koss Pro4-AA's. Matching $2k phones with a $2k bespoke headphone amplifier made for awesome sound, at the price of my first new car.

My jaw did drop once- the smaller Sonus Faber floorstanding speakers in the McIntosh suite played with the timeless 275 tube amp and a Mc CD player were GLORIOUS, like *real-musicians-in-the-room* kind of glorious! The turntable in the Mc suite was a bit of a weird feint- they digitized the phono preamp output and ran it through some sort of high-zoot digital preamp. It sounded pretty good, but a little *off* the notion of how vinyl sounds to my ears, or I should say more aptly "to my heart." Good digital stuff sounds good, why deliberately add all that unnecessary processing? To make a point I suppose, but a sort of silly one at that.

The Wyred For Sound room was quite excellent- their amps sound just about right. The small KEF's they were using were a delightful surprise. I was also pleased to hear the Audio Research VT80 tube amp sounding so nice. Also, everyone using Wilson speakers had pretty darn good sound, regardless! That and it was great to see Madisound there too.

 

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Irony, posted on June 5, 2017 at 19:45:13
slapshot
Audiophile

Posts: 2248
Joined: January 9, 2006
 Audio shows are one of the worst places to actually listen to systems. Setting up a million dollar system in a hotel room just cannot be optimal. Good to look at the equipment, but with traffic coming and going and people talking, not the best place to listen.

 

RE: My first big audio show, posted on June 5, 2017 at 22:54:17
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 After having been several times to the same show when it was in Orange County, I must say that listening to good stereo in what amounts to a large closet just doesn't make it for me.

It's nice to SEE aspirational gear, of course, and where else could I hope to listen to 4 large worth of headphone and amp?

I found in the past that more modest systems came off best. The KEF LS50 were fine in a hotel room sized area. But the Focal Grand Utopia? You had to leave the room to change your mind. too much.
Too much is never enough

 

RE: My first big audio show, posted on June 6, 2017 at 01:30:25
Todd Krieger
Audiophile

Posts: 37333
Location: SW United States
Joined: November 2, 2000
 This is actually a new show.... (Or maybe a resurrected show.... ) The Orange County show will take place in September....... I hope to attend this one.

 

RE: My first big audio show, posted on June 6, 2017 at 02:10:19
RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001
 Speakers with limited bass response always tend to do a bit better on average because they don't show up poor rooms. So a speaker like the KEF LS-50 will have less room issues than KEF's own Blade speaker that when properly set-up in a good room blows the LS-50 to the weeds. But you are very unlikely to hear what the KEF Blade can truly do at an audio show.

So when you listen you almost have to window out the bass from your evaluation.

 

Wonder how it will go, posted on June 6, 2017 at 06:23:16
tunenut
Audiophile

Posts: 9161
Joined: July 18, 2000
 I went up to la for one day. Saw many of the same exhibitors as were in oc show. Apparently after the death of the man who put that on, 2 successors went in different directions. The exhibitors were generally happy to be up by lax. One of them told me all rooms were taken in la while virtually none were taken in Anaheim. Another said this was their show here, they could not do two. From a personal pov, the drive from lax to oc was terrible due to an accident, justifying my decision to cut down to 1 day. But I wonder how much industry support will show up in Anaheim.

 

RE: My first big audio show, posted on June 6, 2017 at 08:12:45
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37584
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 So when you listen you almost have to window out the bass from your evaluation.

And, winnow out the usual choice of "audiophile" content. :)

 

RE: My first big audio show, posted on June 6, 2017 at 08:33:02
seas
Manufacturer

Posts: 138
Joined: December 21, 2006
 https://thehomeentertainmentshow.com/

I fear this one is going to be a complete disaster. Only 2 weeks before RMAF, and only 3 months after a major audio show in the same region? What were they thinking?

 

RE: My first big audio show, posted on June 6, 2017 at 11:01:28
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 I'll keep this in mind.
I do remember some of the big rooms downstairs having some terrific systems, shown to good advantage in larger to huge spaces.
Too much is never enough

 

RE: My first big audio show, posted on June 6, 2017 at 11:04:53
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 I thought T.H.E. Newport simply disappeared, folded its tent and moved North.

Last one I attended, however, was in 2 adjacent hotels.
Too much is never enough

 

Exhibitor list, posted on June 6, 2017 at 13:29:26
M3 lover
Audiophile

Posts: 6599
Location: SW Mich
Joined: May 29, 2005
Contributor
  Since: July 4, 2007
 so far. But one must wonder how many can afford to display at several shows, unless through local dealers?

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho

 

RE: My first big audio show, posted on June 6, 2017 at 13:42:51
alan m. kafton
Manufacturer

Posts: 5285
Joined: April 7, 2000
 Those hotels, the Atrium and Hilton, were directly across from John Wayne Airport. T.H.E. Show moved (I think 3 years ago) to the Hotel Irvine, just a couple of miles away.

Unfortunately, a change in management no longer wanted the convention and would not renew the multi-year contract....hence, 2016 was the last year at the Hotel Irvine. Then there were "artistic differences" between the show director and the new owner of T.H.E. Show (Richard Beers, the wonderful host and owner passed away, bequeathing it to a long-time friend). A new site had to be found.

A new investment group decided to back the show director and contracted with the Sheraton Gateway LAX for one year. We'll see if there is a second L.A.A.S. at a new location. The most difficult thing in producing an audio show is finding a hotel that is willing to remove furniture....most won't.

 

RE: Exhibitor list, posted on June 6, 2017 at 13:48:10
alan m. kafton
Manufacturer

Posts: 5285
Joined: April 7, 2000
 Not a lot at this time....but many exhibitors at the L.A. show are undecided about the Anaheim show, in addition to having the time conflict with RMAF two weeks later. It would be highly difficult to do both shows. Shipping alone would be prohibitive.

 

RE: My first big audio show, posted on June 6, 2017 at 17:44:07
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 I get a slightly different take from a friend here in SD who is 'in the loop' of at least part of what went on.

Depending on 'the numbers' the LAAS will indeed be back. It's just so darn inconvenient for those of us living even South of Orange County, not to mention anyone from Riverside or San Bernadino who wish to attend.

That hotels probably hate moving hundreds of rooms worth of furniture? You Bet. And downstairs in the dining rooms, for big events, tables must go and arrangements made for lectures and such. Hundreds of hours of labor both Before AND After!

I'm certain all those extra costs are factored into 'room rent' or 'show fees' or however it is phrased.
Too much is never enough

 

RE: My first big audio show, posted on June 6, 2017 at 17:54:37
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15518
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
 Thanks! for sharing- mr. bear -

Sonus Faber speakers are excellent. Plays well (no pun) w/ tubed and ss gear too!

 

RE: My first big audio show, posted on June 6, 2017 at 18:31:26
alan m. kafton
Manufacturer

Posts: 5285
Joined: April 7, 2000
 We agree on all that you mentioned. However, a big stumbling block (for this show....and I heard it from numerous attendees including exhibitors) was the location. "LAX?? Really??" was the universal comment. Traffic on the 405 and the 105 is ridiculous at certain times of the day, and makes the decision of attending (for local residents) one for second-guessing. Many felt this was the reason for what appeared to be lower attendance.

I have no doubt that some declined. Orange County has been a much better bet. The San Fernando Valley would be another possibility, although it's rather far from much of Southern California.

 

RE: My first big audio show, posted on June 6, 2017 at 20:15:36
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 100%
For me, at about 100 miles Each Way, I'm looking at 2 hours each way, traveling at some ridiculous times. I'm closest of all SD residents.
With real conditions? I'm certain that 6 to 7 hours realistic would be more like it. I worked in El Segundo many years ago and would go to work on Monday to arrive by 0730 and stay until Friday and start home about 1430 or so. Miss your 'window' and spend an extra hour on the road. OOOPS! It was easy driving to work from the hotel about 5 miles each way. I was right next to the Matel Corporate Store. HOT WHEELS!
I gave myself 3+ hours TO work and about the same on return.
The 5 / 405 split is EPIC. Even at 0530 on a Monday.

I briefly considering FLYING up from Carlsbad to LAX. I did that 20 years ago to catch a flight to Europe. Now? No commercial makes that short hop. But OH! the time saving. Get dropped off at the airport and an hour later, hop out of the plane @LAX. Turbo Prop is like that! Hotel Shuttle from airport to show.
I EVEN considered taking the TRAIN. Public Bus from Union Station to the hotel. Or even hop off the train in Anaheim and take the shuttle from Disneyland to LAX than the hotel shuttle. I could hardly imagine unwinding THAT trip later that night. I'm too old to Sleep in a Train Station!

I went to the Getty Center years ago with my Neice. We took my S-2000. I figured I was only 2 turns away from outrunning ANYTHING else on the road. Nearly. Joke on ME. On the 405 NORTH of the Airport? Traffic was UnImaginable. Took forever go get home. Location was even north of Brentwood.
Too much is never enough

 

You gonna make it to the California Audio Show..., posted on June 6, 2017 at 20:39:01
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 July 28-30 in Oakland?

Is RMAF gonna be worth the trip after the fiasco last year?

Inquiring minds....


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: You gonna make it to the California Audio Show..., posted on June 7, 2017 at 00:41:57
alan m. kafton
Manufacturer

Posts: 5285
Joined: April 7, 2000
 Hey, Mr. Dude....CAS, no.

But RMAF definitely. I spoke with Marjorie Baumert on Sunday....things are coming together nicely at the Marriot, as the remodel was completed not too long ago. I expect a great show. While the look is now very modern, I have no doubt that the camaraderie of friends & colleagues will warm the place up. I've always had a great time there.

 

I completely sympathize...., posted on June 7, 2017 at 00:47:59
alan m. kafton
Manufacturer

Posts: 5285
Joined: April 7, 2000
 ....the traffic is horrendous, almost everywhere, unless you're driving in the wee hours. For me, driving to and from Phoenix, I choose late evenings. If I don't leave L.A., or Long Beach, or Irvine by 2 p.m. I drive right into a parking lot on the 60 East or 91 East. That takes (at least) 2 to 2 1/2 hours just to get to Riverside! Leaving after 8 p.m. usually avoids that bottleneck.

 

RE: "the camaraderie of friends & colleagues will warm the place up"..., posted on June 7, 2017 at 07:40:56
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 Hope to see you there, 'comrade'. :-)


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

big audio show, posted on June 8, 2017 at 12:45:47
hifitommy
Audiophile

Posts: 15387
Location: canyon country califiornia, orig from buffalo ny
Joined: June 9, 2000
 i can identify with the distanced problem but the OC location of THE SHOW is 61 miles from my home in canyon country. how far isit from your home to LAX?

...regards...tr

 

RE: big audio show, posted on June 8, 2017 at 17:33:26
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 95+ to LAX. Thru some horrrible traffic which is 'show time'.

That's just the tip-of-the-Berg.

Ya gotta come HOME, too. So now were talking about 100 miles MORE. Did I mention the traffic up in LA?
Round trip drive-time would be At Least 6 hours.
If my time were worth anything, It'd actually be cheaper for me to FLY from the nearby town of Carlsbad IF they still had commercial service to LAX.

I'm about 60 or so the John Wayne Airport.......same as you. Where the heck IS 'Canyon Country'?

Too much is never enough

 

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