Axpona audio show. Is it worth seeing(hearing)?


I noticed a banner for the axpona audio show and , since it's very close to me, was considering attending. Have never been, and actually never heard of it. Is it worth going to and if so, what should i plan to do there to maximize my experience. Thanks for any suggestions

droleg
Thanks for the advice. I will plan on going, and make a plan on what /who i want to see/hear, including the seminars. Any opinions on a "must see" while i'm there? Very subjuctive, i know, depending on what interests people.
If you are in the market for any particular components, visit the vendor that has the component you want to hear, plus visit vendors who have competing products in your price range. You may find some surprises.

If you want to learn about vinyl playback, or computer/streaming audio, visit vendors with those products. There are also vinyl seminars, as well as computer/streaming audio seminars.

Lastly, go see a vendor/product that is WAY out of your budget, just to see what is possible and what all the fuss is about.
My girlfriend and I went last year and had a great time.  We did see Second City and a few bands live in the city to keep us sane after hearing female jazz vocalists played in every room. (If they weren't being featured when we entered, then someone would invariably request something).  If you're not into that than make sure to visit KEF who kept changing things up.

Also be prepared for listener fatigue (I never experienced it before) and for megabuck systems to be somewhat disappointing without a dedicated, treated room. The omni-directional MBLs fared well though, as did the Vinni Rossi\Harbeth room (at like a 10th of the price) which utilized nearfield placement to amazing effect.  And Spatial Audio did wonders too for even less, though the sweet spot was a bit too narrow for a couple.

Kirk
droleg,

 Friday is a good day for getting a chance to hear more stuff as there are less people there because of work.  The drawback to Friday is the vendors are usually still having problems getting their system to sound its best.

Saturday has the most people so getting prime listening seat is much harder.  The vendors are mostly getting their gear to sound its much better by the afternoon.  Both of these days are 2 hours longer also.

Sunday is when the equipment sounds its best.  There are about the same number there as Friday.  It does close at 4:00, however instead of 6:00.

Bargains might happen more towards the end of Sunday.   There will be many vendors having specials during the weekend.  Bring your wallet and your ears.
...and I'll suggest taking a pair of ear plugs or muffs.  'Listener fatigue' is easily avoided that way...save your 'best equipment' for what you'd like to hear instead of having to endure it all...

Comfortable shoes....you will be on your feet, chairs are rare and usually occupied unless you're lucky and fast.

Take pictures and notes.  Memories get blurred easily if you're seriously shopping.  Bring a thumb drive of something You like; if they're serious, they ought to be able to play it, considering the technology of the day.

If you want to really give 'em a jolt....a small briefcase with an LP or 3.  Listen for the gasp...;)