Describe the "new HiFi sound"?

@donavabdear You make a very astute point. Did you notice how many JBL type rooms were booming like a 1980’s Panasonic Platinum Series boom-box. With the exception of most ultra high end gear the trend in audio is towards getting noticed or engagement on the lowest level. This might have to do with the Beats headphone generation graduating towards component audio and the boomers thirsting for that last gasp of nostalgia. Truthfully it is very difficult to make a very neutral speaker that is engaging. A perfect example at the show was the Totem Metal V2. This speaker had a sound of nothing a black background but still managed a level of engagement. Driven by Bryston gear only accentuated the neutrality a warmer SS amp could make them a nearly perfect speaker for $17k. Since most audio buyers buy piece by piece a product like the V2 Metal that does not call out for attention is a hard sell. With the current trend and media push of dual subwoofers and questionable room/source correction/altering devices what can we expect from the average(novice) audiophile?

@dayglow Oh no, I mentioned those speakers several times to people but I called them Title darn I got the name wrong. Yes the Totem’s were wonderful they made the biggest impression on me of any smaller speaker, those Canadian’s can make some great speakers.

Your idea about the Beats generation is interesting and I bet exactly right, the question is in a hobby like ours where there are really no rules how influential is improper ideas and social norms that do not tend to push the manufactures toward more accurate sound but simply making money, can’t really blame them.

I mentioned earlier how JBL did such a good job a making a "classic" speaker the L100 that I stoped and wondered into their room because I heard my studio life 30 years ago in there. I told that to the salesmen they got such a big kick out of it because that was exactly what JBL was going for, amazing they could be so accurate so many years later.

@donavabdear   Thx for not taking offense with my nostalgia comment. For myself I don't want to go back to the "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" era. I still enjoy most of the early/mid 1980's pop music but I don't get emotional over it. Your spot on about mainstream brands that have to appease the popular sonic trend. I'm curious about your opinion on the MoFi Source Point 10? For some strange reason I passed the room many times which was not due to arrogance. Maybe fate?

@dayglow I do remember those speakers I’m embarrassed to say they looked so boxy and cheep I didn’t give them the respect their sound deserved. They did sound good but I was shallow and looking for more interesting speakers. Sorry I didn’t give them a good listen. 

@donavabdear    No problem, appreciate the audio banter! I did see the Mo-Fi up close and in a very well lighted Mo-Fi record marketplace area on the main Axpona floor. IMO the cabinet/driver and binding posts look cheaply made. Only a matter of time when Danny Richie(GR Research) takes it apart and sighs!