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Attending an audio show

For the audio show veterans: what tips or "strategies" do you have for attending an audio show? In other words, how do you maximize your time there and still make it fun and spontaneous? I've been going to one for five years now and I always end up with stuff I didn't get to see or forgot to see. I do make a list of room I want to see. When I get hungry and I go eat I feel like I'm wasting time. How do you pace yourself? Do you follow an itinerary? I think the answer is staying overnight but that's for next year-- 
mcrib
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,686 posts
 
@mcrib, bring with you a recording whose sound and music you are very familiar with. Use the same song or two to audition all systems (or speakers, etc.); that way you are comparing apples to apples.
theo's avatar
theo
2,674 posts
 
All good advice above. I have only attended one show but each year and that is RMAF. I think one thing to keep in mind is that each room has a vendor that is there to sell. Be careful not to let them get control of your time. You may feel that you are offending them, but if you try to be polite they will consume much of your time on something you may have no interest in. I find that so many vendors will keep you in their room trying to close a deal, even if you never have shown any real interest. And before you realize that after a few of these rooms , you have lost hours of valuable time.
Have a game plan, go to the rooms that you have interest in and try to stick to it. Sometimes because the room is crowded you may have to come back. But make sure you get to see/hear what you want to. Then after you have completed your bucket list, go and check out whatever attracts you.
But most important, enjoy!!
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,686 posts
 
Oh, and bring your preferred headache remedy. I invariably have developed one as the late afternoon approaches.
rhljazz
1,252 posts
 
Bring a note book or use your phone if you’re adept at making notes with it.  Create a synopsis of what you liked or didn’t like on each room by name.  List components and cabling so you will have a record of things that might interest you later.  This was a very valuable asset after attending RMAF.
minorl
1,015 posts
 

All good advice.  However, many demonstrations will not play your supplied music.  They have a style they are trying to convey.  don't be insulted.  Just sit back and listen. 

I attended the RMAF last year and in my opinion, it was great.  Make sure you stay hydrated and bring snacks.  There is a great Cuban Restaurant nearby that served the very best Cubano Sandwiches.  Wow!

If you are there to hear specific components, then make a room list and got to them.  Sometimes there are people talking wayyyy too loud in the room with the salesperson.  It is very rude and they really need to take that discussion outside. 

Also, at the RMAF, I noticed that some demonstrators played some god awful music that did not highlight their systems at all.  but it is what it is.

I'm going to try to attend the upcoming show in Irvine this year.  Don't know why it's called the Los Angeles Audio show when it's in Irvine, but oh well.

RMAF?  I had a great time, met Vandersteen, Ralph, etc.  heard some really great systems, small company manufacturers that knew their stuff. 

Didn't know there were so many headphone and earphone manufacturers.  There were quite a lot there.  very confusing.  but the Stax demonstration was absolutely wonderful (and stupidly expensive).

enjoy

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