Where to listen

I think that the recommendation to attend RMAF is a good suggestion. Dealer inventories and demo stock is very light because of the economy; you will be lucky if you can see or hear all of the specific brands and models you have listed in a given geographic area.

While Southern California is a good choice, I think that the San Francisco Bay area might be better (note - I live in SoCal). There are more high end dealers in a smaller area in the Bay Area, and Southern California dealers are, let's say... unique in their approach to customer relations and sales. This is not a universal pan of SoCal dealers - Brooks Berdan, for example, is a great guy and treats his customers well.

Thanks to everyone for responding. I will try RMAF next year and maybe combine it with a bay area/SoCal visit (make a nice vacation). I will be on travel for work during this years festival.

I made a trip to RMAF last year from the UK and had a great time. Take the time to look around Colorado, some stunning scenery. The show had a friendly atmosphere, perhaps because it is run by an audio society.
I chose my last speakers there, Daedalus DA-RMas and am very happy with them.
Do'nt leave a trip to long. I may be wrong, but I think 2012 is the last year it is gauranteed to continue. Organising the show must be a great burden to the Colorado Audio Society, particularly after the sad loss of Al Stiefel, the instigator.

Just tweaked my work dates and will now be at the RMAF Sat. afternoon and Sun.
Really looking forward to it, thanks again for the advise.

You wo'nt regret it, I promise you, I really wish I could be going back this year. If you are looking for speakers, I recommend you listen to Daedalus too. Lou usually has his own room with the Ulysses floorstanders and Modwright nearby, who last year, were using the DA-RMa standmounts, which I ordered at last years show. They really are stunning to look at, being made of solid hardwood with a wide range of woods, not veneered MDF. They sound as good as they look, transparent, excellent dynamics, easy to drive at 95 to 96db. Because they are sold direct, no dealers markup, they are great value too. Lou, the manufacturer, is excellent to deal with too.
Why not post a reply when you've been and give a report back on the speakers you have heard.