My first visit to AXPONA

Agree with the OP. Even allowing for the challenges of setup in such a venue, its apparent that system synergy and performance isn't a given above some price point.

We didn't visit every room this year, but for me the highlight in the sub-mortgage range was the Gingko Audio room. 

The only new gear/tech that caught my eye is the VAC Sigma 170i. VAC refers to integrateds as a "lifestyle choice", which I am going to steal and use to explain why i went with the 1/2 ct. Diamond earrings for my wife instead of the full 1ct. "Baby, it's a life style choice". Worth a shot anyway.

Seemed like a major shift this year where lots of rooms where demoing with Tidal, versus 4 years ago when all the rooms were spinning vinyl. I think this is a good change, we heard a much wider variety of music.

JBL was conspicuously missing this year. Too bad, always enjoy that room

"If by chance I win some lottery some day I know where $100,000.00 would go."

Be prepared...

I always enjoy RMAF, but never plan to buy anything but LPs and maybe small items. I could not bring myself to make a major purchase based on 30 minutes in a hotel room. The unfortunate is that a lot of the gear I find desirable at the show are not available at local dealers. Although that is a presidense for a dilemma I still would hate to find that once placed in my home that I am not happy. But the show to me is great as I always learn something of value and enjoying new music always being played in the rooms. Parking does suck though🙃

I heard some JBL's- I think the LM100's ? Cool orange grills with what looked like a 15" main driver. A little wooly for my taste but at least they were playing Steely Dan! I found the choice of music in general was sleep inducing....

Most all "uber" expensive audio systems at shows, never held up to my $50K system at home.

These systems are sold to very rich, delusional, people that want "snob appeal" to their friends.

I quit going to shows the last few years.