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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
vthokie83
1,222 posts
 

ezstreams

Yes, be ready to buy; especially if it's what you really want.....and it's on sale for a nice discount. I've bought for 30% to 40% below what I thought I'd have to pay, especially cables and other smaller items. Remember, NOONE wants to lug this stuff home (and restock it as demo) if they don't have to.

Have fun! Do not be intimidated by the whole scene, Axpona is the best show I've ever been to if you make it fun.

If you get exhausted, take a break. Go to the headphone area, sit down and listen to some music; or just sit in a room for an extended period of time and enjoy.

Do not be afraid to ask them to play the type of music that you enjoy! Some rooms will have great demo music that is meant to show off their gear......but nothing I'd ever listen to.

The best demo I've ever had was when I had a high end room (with amazing Joseph Audio Perspective 2 Graphene speakers) play some of my stuff: Talking Heads Slippery People (Stop Making Sense Remastered), Roxy Music Avalon, Depeche Mode "Policy of Truth", and Rolling Stones Gimme Shelter (Bridges To Babylon Live Concert)......amazing Lisa Fischer vocals with Mick

zarf's avatar
zarf
107 posts
 

I truly appreciate this thread. I've got the floor plans and the locations listed out, and the top down approach makes sense to me. Will they allow a small backpack, with water and food?

It's my intention to visit a few folks with pieces that I've enjoyed, like Darlington Labs. And folks that I've spoken with on the telephone directly who've been great with servicing and information.

Looking forward to it.

chrisoshea
576 posts
 

What is "Big John"?

zarf's avatar
zarf
107 posts
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnnHprUGKF0

I believe this is the one. My parents had the LP in 1967 times.

vthokie83
1,222 posts
 

chrisoshea

This is the version that they'll play from Geoff Castellucci  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdBBM_d3jlc&list=RDfdBBM_d3jlc&start_radio=1 

As a matter of fact you'll hear a bunch of Castellucci's music, his version of Sound of Silence is ridiculously good

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyekSI_4Qlc

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