What's Up with Magnapan at Shows?

Jeff,
The easiest solution to your problem would be to ask the Magnapan rep at the show what they are trying to accomplish with their demonstration and where you can hear a straightforward demonstration of their speakers in a 5.1 configuration.

I assume the speaker-behind-the-curtain is the old trick to suprise you that the less expensive speaker behind the curtain is playing, not the more expensive one that you can see and think is playing.

If that is not clear, I don't know why the Magnapan rep would be offended if someone asked. Likewise, I don't see the problem with asking where a 5.1 demo is available.

I don't get to attend audio shows, so I'm not familiar with the etiquette, but if these questions would cause a problem, I think I know one of the reasons why the high-end can't reach a larger market.