bubba12, I agree totally. I've been twice now and really looking forward to this year. Trying to make it 2 days but we'll see about that. You have to realize you are not going for critical listening. Just go and have a good time and marvel at the sheer amount of gear on display. Yes, alot of it is ridiculously expensive. But, a man can dream right?
I've never needed earplugs except the one time in a Martin Logan room where the guy turned DSoTM up so loud the amps were clipping. I think they were Parasound. Not sure what he was thinking! I was out of there in a heartbeat.
I live close so this is a no-brainer for me. I've thought that maybe Chicagoans should wear some type of sign so we can find/meet each other. It would be cool to meet a few fellow 'philes. Leave your attitude at the door.