California Audio Show- a great time

My favorite rooms were Audio Note and MBL.

There a couple rooms which I thought had a lot potential but hindered themselves greatly with amps that weren't up to the level of the speakers.

This was my first audio show. So, I can't say how good it was compared to other events. But, it was a great experience and I look forward to going again. I thought many of the rooms had great systems. But there were 2 rooms that I had a hard time leaving. The first was the Audible Arts/Wells Audio room. The Usher mini II speakers being driven by a Wells Innamorata amplifier sounded fantastic! The second room, was the one with the Vivid speakers and the Luxman integrated. That system was delivering real music!

Went on Saturday for 9 hours. Had never heard any Magico speakers until then and found the Q1's to be my favorite of the show. They're the replacement for the Mini II, cheaper and have better driver's.

Went to the Margules room and walked out when I saw who they were(a long story from nine years ago. I'll just say that they can kiss my ass).

Chatted with Peter Madnick formerly of Audio Alchemy about his $140k monos, $60k preamp and the lesser range of components that only go for $20k a piece.

The Vivid room was nice, finally got to hear the BADA Dac and chatted with the guys from Music Lovers and Musical surroundings about a former dealer from Sacto that is now out of business because of shady dealings he had going on.

Do Q1 have better stands look better have better Xover than MINI 2 still a classic.

The stands look very basic(single leg/no tilt). I was told a deal can be worked out to get the Q1's w/o the stand. They're deeper than high and look better(not sure about the Xover). I have never seen the Mini in person, but with the cabinet being all metal(rapped it with my knuckles),it's probably more inert.