Consumer Electronic Show ?

I have attended two CES shows, and I never registered nor had to show ID. If you go to the main convention center, it is my understanding that you must have full credentials to attend. If you go to Alexis Park or The Show next door, you will be able to look and hear at your pleasure. By the way, The last two venues have all of equipment that we discuss here everyday.

Yes but the last two venues are likely to have seen their last CES. The exhibits that were at the Alexis Park have been moved to the Venetian where security is likely to be comparable to that at the convention center. (The AP is no more thanks to George Clooney.) In view of that, I do not know where T.H.E. Show will be since proximity to the AP is no longer of value. (Their website says it will be at the San Tropez but ??).

Still, I'd bet you can get in with a little fakery. ;-)

Kal

It is not worth it to go to CES, but no for the reasons that you suppose.

I have been to CES once, and that was enough. There seems to be a lot more ego there and a lot less fun. I have been to RMAF twice and would still do that again before going back to Lost Wages for the CES show.

RMAF people are more friendly, and helpful. They know that for the most part they are dealing with hobbiests, not dealers who have to book $50,000 orders.

The main show at CES is waste of time for most people. Static displays, of big $$$ gear, or lots of TV and video. Everyone knows that audiophiles don't care about video!!! Alexis Park and the San Tropez are where the fun stuff is, even though a lot of people never even walk next door to check out THE Show.

Unless you live in Lost Wages, don't waste your time, go to Denver and have a good time. No you won't find every last dealer in Denver. There might be more is Vegas, but companies like Krell were just showing gear, not auditioning it.

Nrchy, the purposes of RMAF and CES are quite different. RMAF is consumer oriented, while CES is for the trade. At CES some high end audio companies choose to have static displays only, although most try to demonstrate. Show conditions being what they are, good sound tends to be the exception, and the same happens at RMAF, in my opinion.

You can cover RMAF in a day or so and not feel as if you've missed much. By comparison, covering CES and THE Show takes much longer, because there are many more companies showing and it's more spread out. Admittedly the significantly lower cost of RMAF and its consumer orientation makes it more attractive to smaller audio companies, including some DIY ones and those selling direct.

I agree RMAF is more relaxed, while CES and THE Show have many more exhibitors and are there for different reasons. Each fills a need. I'll continue to attend both.

Brian

by the way, i bet it costs more to attend the rmaf than the ces . why ?? food and lodging and perhaps airfare.

also,if the rmaf is anything like the stereophile shows in ny and california, ces may allow the opportunity to hyear your own music, without being in a room with a lot of people.

i have never had a problem at ces. i find the exhibitors very friendly and accomodating. it depends upon how you handle yourself.