I didn't attend the show but I'm surprised to read that many rooms had a mono type soundstage. I've never had any problem getting good imaging. Even my $20 computer speakers, which are about 20 inches apart and a couple of feet from my ears, spread the instruments across the space between them.
As for the music played, maybe the vendors have heard enough of the Diana Krall complaints and decided to go in the opposite direction.
As for the music played, maybe the vendors have heard enough of the Diana Krall complaints and decided to go in the opposite direction.