In short, disappointed. Being an enthusiast, I love to look at components and admire craftsmanship, but sound-wise, not much "wowed" me. 80-85% of what I heard left me saying, "I want to go home and listen to my system".
Best sounds, in no particular order:
Harbeth, Red Wine, Bricasti
Brodmann
Martin Logan CLX
Innersound
Biggest disappointments:
KEF Blade, Chord, some 'table that had counter-rotating platters. (considering the $, worst sound at show).
Coincident speakers/amplification.
Raidho.
Many others as escaping me at this time. I'll chime in
if I remember.
Also, one major disappointment that MANY rooms were guilty of: LOUSY MUSIC PLAYED TOO LOUDLY. Nothing chases me out of a room faster than anything electronic. This includes guitar, bass guitar or anything synthesized (i.e. "club" music). This is not how to determine if a system can accurately reproduce recorded acoustic sounds. IMO.
Best sounds, in no particular order:
Harbeth, Red Wine, Bricasti
Brodmann
Martin Logan CLX
Innersound
Biggest disappointments:
KEF Blade, Chord, some 'table that had counter-rotating platters. (considering the $, worst sound at show).
Coincident speakers/amplification.
Raidho.
Many others as escaping me at this time. I'll chime in
if I remember.
Also, one major disappointment that MANY rooms were guilty of: LOUSY MUSIC PLAYED TOO LOUDLY. Nothing chases me out of a room faster than anything electronic. This includes guitar, bass guitar or anything synthesized (i.e. "club" music). This is not how to determine if a system can accurately reproduce recorded acoustic sounds. IMO.