Southwest Audio Fest

I’ll be there! Very curious to see what rooms bring vinyl this time. Most rooms stick with streaming because it’s just easier to demo, but there were a few and multiple reel to reel decks. 

I’m curious to look at integrated amps and cables too. Excited for this year! 

displayname
 

This will be only my second show. I went to one also in Dallas two years ago, which was much smaller by comparison. Now that you mention it, I don’t remember turntables there either.  I understand they will have thousands of records there for purchase so it would expect that turntables might be part of the theme.

Dallas is not in the Southwest. It is in Texas. Not in a political sense, just by geography.

I am only saying this because I got excited that I might be able to go, if it’s nearby.

Just in case, the geographic center of the mainland US is at 109.8972 Longitude. (Lebanon, KS). Dallas is entirely EAST of that.\

South by Southwest for Austin is a better name. 

Thanks for that geography lesson GB 😄. I know you’re a regular here. Wish you could go. Just a short plane ride. I live in SC.

@hysteve San Diego has direct flights, so I am definitely looking into it. I just have to come up with a good story to my wife. 

Good luck with that! My wife’s brother lives in Dallas and he’s a ‘phile too. And much longer in it than me. He got me started in this addictive hobby.

I have never been to an audio show. And my (imaginary) therapist wouldn't recommend it :) But. when have done things that were good for me....

@hysteve 

This will be only my second show. I went to one also in Dallas two years ago, which was much smaller by comparison. Now that you mention it, I don’t remember turntables there either.  I understand they will have thousands of records there for purchase so it would expect that turntables might be part of the theme.

Part of that is just the reality of audio shows. Turntables are big, often heavy, require a lot more time to set up, and limits your demo request library. It’s just hard logistically very difficult. 
 

However, there were some turntables at SWAF last year, and I’m hoping to see more this year. 

If the other show you went to was Lone Star Audio Fest, then you are in for a treat. Lone Star was always more of an enthusiasts gathering. And frankly last year was an outright sad showing. Hopefully moving to Austin will help them revive it. 
SWAF was significantly larger and much more impressive. Lots of cutting edge flagship gear on display. 

It was Lone Star in June, 2023. It seemed like mostly local (TX) boutique shops that were demoing all in small rooms. The big boys, Magico, Pass etc, were not there.

For anyone who's attended prior SWAF and CAF or PAF, is the Dallas show likely to be smaller, larger or about the same size in terms of number of demo rooms? Thanks in advance,

Spencer

I Know that Dr. Vinyl and Bob's Devices (me), will have turntables for demo along with cartridges and accessories.