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California Audio Show- a great time

I just retuned from two days at the show. In my opinion, the best audio show I have ever attended. The hosts were exceptionally friendly and played anything and everything listeners brought in. There are always some megabuck systems that sound stellar and this show was no exception, but I thought almost all the small rooms had great sound also. I'm going to say maybe 80 percent of the rooms were getting nice sound and that never happens in hotel rooms. I enjoyed meeting a lot of audiophiles who came to have a good time, hear some great music and dream of our next audio purchases. If you get a chance, go to this show. Constantine and his staff know how to throw a great party!
128x128hi5harry
ska_man
55 posts
 
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!

tabl10s's avatar
tabl10s
1,090 posts
 
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.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Do Q1 have better stands look better have better Xover than MINI 2 still a classic.
tabl10s's avatar
tabl10s
1,090 posts
 
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.
gundam91
506 posts
 
Great show indeed. Thanks, Constantine & everyone at Dagogo. Much more "relaxing" than the LA show. I was there both Friday and Sunday. Most of the rooms sounded better on Sunday after the systems have been dialed in.

Got a chance to chat with some manufacturers as well, and came home with some new toys! Just broke my own rule that I would never buy equipment at a show. :-)

I'm also impreesed with Evolution speakers. Would love to hear the bigger speakers in their line-up.

FrankC
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