What Audio Show to Attend?

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.

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.

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/

There's a show in San Francisco in August. It'll be the third year for this particular show. Go to www.caaudioshow.com for more info. The exhibitor list has not yet posted but you can refer to the list for 2011 to give you an idea. I went the first year. It was my very first so I cannot compare it to others. I would certainly go again. I think there's some review info if you search.

I think that Don s had sage advice that should be considered.

Also, I've been to the Newport Beach show and one of the things people kept commenting on was how they were able to bring their favorite software--cds, vinyl, etc--and demo on the systems that the exhibitors had. This was a plus for me.

But re-read Don s's post and take it from there.