RMAF 2011: Any tips?

Thanks, Jax. That's exactly the kind of recommendation I was hoping to get. I will make a point to visit those rooms.

bc

bc- Add Merlin to those that Jax2 mentioned (which are all seconded). That will give you some idea of how far a relatively simple design (2 way bass reflex monitor) can be developed and you also will get to hear a great OTL tube amp (Joule). Also if you are interested at all in computer audio, check out Sound Science's Music Vaults.

Thanks, Swampwalker. Merlin is on my list. I don't know anything about Sound Science, but I will definitely check them out, since my system's sole source is a computer.

Fritzspeakers makes very fine high value speakers, and Fritz is a good guy. The Zu room was fun last year (more good guys), I'd be especially keen to go if they are showing one of their statement speaker designs.

The Balanced Power Technology/Empirical Audio/Salk Room was excellent last year. BPT will be there, and I'd expect Chris to have another excellent room, though I'm not sure who he's showing with this this year.

Have fun; wish I could go!

John

Oh, and one further suggestion, more in the novelty department. I can't recall whether it was RMAF or CES, but I heard an impressive demonstration of Maggie's mini speakers at one of them, when they were still in prototype stage. Here's a brief review of the production version. They are releasing those speakers in September at $1495. They should therefore be at RMAF, and would certainly be worth a listen if you were in the market for a mini speaker for a bedroom or office. I think in the demo they were using a sub with them, and the results in a very large room were quite impressive. I don't think they played them without the sub for that demo so I wonder what they'd sound like without it.