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Tips for first time audio show attendees (like me)

I figured I’d post this in the “Music” topic because the Music is really what our wonderful hobby is all about, right!

In another discussion I started recently asking for advice on how to deal with a expensive failed CD player, I received some great suggestions.
Also in that thread I mentioned I was going to my very first audio show this coming April. A few veteran audio show Agon members added some great audio show tips along with thoughts on my CD player dilemma. I really appreciated their audio show advice which I plan to use at next month’s AXPONA.  
 

I wanted to share those tips, which other first time audio show attendees may find useful, and ask veteran show goers to add their tips so we can all get the most out of these rare opportunities. 
 

Here are the tips from my other thread:

1.  Prior to the show, layout the booths you want to visit.  The show/booth floor plans and which companies will be in each location is already available on the AXPONA website  

2. Start at the top floor.  It’s much easier to take the stairs down to a lower floor. Also, the elevator situation can get ridiculous.

3. Sunday morning is a good time to go as the crowds on Saturday are pretty intense and greatly inhibiting toward actually hearing any gear or interacting w/ the reps of that gear.

4. It’s not unusual to get significant discounts at AXPONA.

5. Don't forget to go back to the far left of the Axpona main show floor, there are usually 3 or so rooms that have used equipment.

6. It’s fairly common for vendors to offer the demo components at a significant discount after the show.

Veteran show goers, please add to this list. All suggestions of what to do or even what not to do (like talking while a demo is playing and listeners are in the room) are appreciated!

ezstreams
deep_333
2,420 posts
 

Ask some guy showcasing a killer sounding rig to play some not-so-great recordings as well, different genres, let you determine how it holds up.

(I am sure it is 2 recordings on repeat all day long all over the show....Don’t get fooled. Even a broken clock is right twice a day, even a dumass rig may sound good on 2 recordings)

Pull some chair closer up in midfield at the hotel room to get a better idea of how it would sound (ballpark) even if you plan to set it up in a more "optimal" room in your house. In general, the sound you get in the hotel room is also what you’ll get in a living room or whatever...unless you spend a small fortune on a purpose built room with competent treatments. Don’t let the guys at the shows blame it all on the hotel room, don’t accept some getaway from jail for free card. 

"It’s always your fault and your room’s fault, never my fault", says the speaker daddy showcasing his speaker at the shows.

Hope that helps some ’first time attendees’... laugh in the process of initiation...

 

 

dishman442's avatar
dishman442
81 posts
 

If they are playing Big John it’s ok to shoot them. (Kidding, sort of)

nogaps
161 posts
 

Lots of god advice. 

Having recently attended the Florida show, I can only add one thing...

Make a point of auditioning the Aretai Contra 200F speakers.  They'll be in a room with Ben from Mojo Audio (DACs) I think.  Stunning pair of speakers. For me, regardless of cost, with the first floor mega systems included, the Aretai speakers were easily the best of show. 

Aretai may be showing the Contra 100s (monitor type, I think Aretai may be in two different rooms), but don't miss the 200F, or the 350F floor standers if they have them there. 

I wish I could make the show, but not in the cards.

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,383 posts
 

Go early, start at the top and walk down to the rooms you want to see.  Don't put much credence in the sound at the shows.  Be sure to visit the Convergent Audio room. Have a blast!

larsman's avatar
larsman
3,123 posts
 

Much better for looking at and talking about gear than for hearing what it sounds like; while some are well thought out, often you're hearing what mostly badly or non-treated rooms sound like, as the room influences the sound more than anything else. 

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