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How to listen /audition at audio shows?

I’ve been to RMAF a few times and learned a lot. Great fun and I eventually bought quite a bit of gear that I heard there. Right now I am going to Capitol Audio show to try to audition several high-end streamers (Aurender, Lumin, Innous, 432 EVO, Grimm and Antipodes are on my list). My request is for advice on how to compare models that will, of course, be in different systems in different rooms, etc. We all know how limited listening is in hotel rooms and that it will always sound different in your house with your system, etc etc. Accepting that, what are some of the smart strategies you’ve found to compare components at an audio show? Wouldn’t it be great if I could get two of the streamer vendors to connect their units to the same system, say after hours ... Not likely I know but any other ideas, tips or strategies? thanks
mcmanus
sns
4,060 posts
 
+1 tvad, One simply can't account for so many variables.

And then we have listener state of mind, we are not in our usual at home listening mode, many distractions compete for attention, hard to disconnect from analytical mode.

On the other hand, shows give one exposure to new equipment. And the social aspects can be a positive, you may even be able to purchase a long desired component at discount through contacts at shows.

richopp
760 posts
 
@millercarbon So, how does it feel to be dumber than a sack of hair?

Your posts are laugh riots...everything you say is such BS. Do you sit around and make this up full time, or do you just do it in your sleep?
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,980 posts
 
Go in with a plan for what you want to get out of it specifically then spend your time wisely and don’t be afraid to ask questions. 
May be doing CAF this weekend.  Looking to assess some newer products.  We will see….
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,980 posts
 
You have to identify items to try from the pack somehow. Use your ears. If you hear a good sounding setup at a show all you know for sure is each piece in it is capable of delivering that sound in that room. That’s a first good step to help identify specific items of interest. Then you have to do your homework and determine why that setup worked so well and how that might relate to your specific case at home. Nothing great ever comes easy. The devil is always in the details, right?
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,980 posts
 
Another useful show strategy is find your reference sound as best as possible at the show, if you do not already know what that sounds like. Cost no object! Once you’ve identified it, don’t waste time listening to gear that is out of your budget range. Spend time listening only to things you can afford and might actually buy that are in a system that approximates that reference sound well.
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