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What Audio Show to Attend?

I'm planning on buy either a new or new used pair of the speakers in the upcoming year and want to attend an audio show to do some extensive auditioning. I was originally thinking of going to the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in October. However, picking up the latest of edition of the Absolute Sound, I saw ads for other Audio shows in New York (Audio and AV show at the Waldorf Astoria) as well as Axponia in Jacksonville, Florida. I think there's another audio show in California as well. To those that have attended these shows, can you offer up any recommendations? I'm travelling from Western Canada so I want to make this worthwhile. Thanks in advance!

calgarian
calgarian5355
rgd
656 posts
 
I would suggest attending the upcoming show in Montreal and then RMAF (if you don't find anything at the Montreal show.
Also from the Calgary area I have been fortunate to have been in Montreal on business (well timed....) and made my way to the show twice in the last 5 years - always been worth my time invested.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Save your money and don't attend any show, put the money you save into better speakers. None of these shows will be of any help in making the speaker decision, trust me, I have been to over 70 shows, they are all beauty parades. Seek out a local dealer and have him give you a loaner pair to listen to in your home.
jig
160 posts
 
I couldn't disagree more with Bucanero117's comment. Attending an audio show gives you the opportunity to see more diverse gear than you will ever see going to individual dealers in 5 years time. Plus the fun factor is off the charts. Finally there is absolutely no pressure to buy and frequently there are very good show discounts. The last amp I purchased at a show directly from the distributor cost me less than buying from a dealer. Every audiophile should attend at least one show and RMAF is currently the best. I will be attending Axpona next month due to the location.
don_s
271 posts
 
calgarian,

If you have never been to a show before I would like to offer some suggestions. You need to do your own homework. That would mean make a list of products you would like to see and hear and then check the list of exhibitors for each show. Contact the exhibitors who have products you are interested in to find out what products they will be showing and with what associated equipment. If you really don't know what you want to hear and are just looking for ideas then pick a larger show.

Otherwise you could be in for major disappointment. It is nice to find surprises at a show so keep your options open. But it is also possible to be disappointed in a major way if you are looking for something specific and don't do some research before you go.

Shows can also be a lot of fun if you are able to hang loose and just enjoy the ride. But if you are spending big dollars and traveling a long way with a specific agenda you would probably want more than that.

That said I can recommend RMAF and this show in Newport Beach, CA http://www.theshownewport.com/
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