Los Angeles Audio Show ‘25 at the Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa Hotel on January 17-19, 2025

[Ron Resnick]

​ Release Date: 29th March 2024​

The Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society and the Chester Group jointly present The Los Angeles Audio Show '25. Los Angeles, California - The Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society, Bob Levi, Chairman, will host The Los Angeles Audio Show ‘25 at the Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa Hotel on January 17-19, 2025, premiering the finest high-end audio components and loudspeakers from the world's best manufacturers and dealers. Open to the public, The Los Angeles Audio Show will focus on the industry leaders building the finest components for music in the home. Meet the world's most renowned reviewers and audiophiles, enjoy extraordinary hospitality, and immerse yourself in an exclusive event produced by audiophiles for audiophiles! The Los Angeles Audio Show premiers a brand new world-class fine audio show in America's number one market for audio sales and number two market by population. The Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society, the world's largest audio society, brings extensive expertise to crafting an original and powerful gathering. Enjoy the affordable and extreme, nightly live entertainment hosted by the extraordinary Michael Fremer, the newest and collector LPs and accessories, cool headphones and personal listening gear, extraordinary manufacturer seminars, wonderful listening experiences, and even fantastic food trucks and a California craft beer tasting. The Society recently celebrated its thirtieth anniversary and judges six audiophile and music awards. The Los Angeles Audio Show is our way of celebrating the lifestyle experience of being an audiophile and music lover. Though the Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society has participated in numerous audio shows as a sponsor, the Los Angeles Audio Show '25 is our FIRST show where we are participating as a Co Presenter, being a Joint Venture with the Chester Group as Organizers. With spaces for exhibitors tailored to their specific needs, a trade brochure and room pricing is now available. The Hotel has a well-balanced amount of Meeting Rooms and Exhibit Rooms. The expansive Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa Hotel is located just north of Orange County Airport and near the I405 highway. This highway links the hotel to LAX to the north. Approximately fifteen million people live in LA and Orange Counties served by this highway. The population for the entire area of San Diego to the south through Santa Barbara to the north is about twenty-four million people served by the connecting I5 and I405 highways. Bob Levi: Chairman of the Board of the Society remarks, "The brand new and original Los Angeles Audio Show '25 will reflect a level of fun and expertise unseen in most shows in any locale. We will specially craft it such that the wonder and entertainment of the fine audio experience begins at the front door and continues for three full extraordinary days. We thank Michael Fremer, of TAS and our Senior Vice President of Analog, for his superb advice and participation. We truly appreciate the expert organization and support of The Chester Group, which currently produces four other audio shows worldwide, and now celebrates 25 years in the business with over 200 shows organised to date, mostly pioneered events I thank Jason Lord, of The Source AV, the nation's top McIntosh dealer, for his advice and endless support throughout this audio journey." Roy Bird. CEO. Chester Group “We are the only Audio Show Organizer to have ventured beyond our own soil, having successfully re-energised the UK Audio Show scene some 25 years past, in most cases that has meant pioneering brand new shows around the world, or in some cases re-energising an earlier event such as this one, thus we are of entrepreneurial stock and have never lost sight of the industry we represent. As a family business we treat Exhibitors as valued customers who want a ROI from major events such as these, so working with and in the best interests of those Exhibitors, Co Presenters, Media Partners, and Contractors is vital. Although we’ve yet to organise an event on the West Coast of America, the ambitions and logistics are the same, a successful show. This is without doubt a team effort and we are honoured to have been approached by Bob and his team to re-establish a major show for Los Angeles. Michael Fremer: TrackingAngle.comeditor, The Absolute Sound editor at large, Senior Vice President of Analog for the Society, and past Founder's Award Winner, remarks, "The world’s largest audio society co-producing a world-class audio show in the entertainment capital of the world? That totally makes sense to me. It’s about time. LAOCAS Chairman Bob Levi, President and CEO Allen Taylor and the Chester Group team will surely deliver the audio goods, with the world’s major manufacturers and experts in every field participating, bringing to the West Coast three days of fun and excitement for audio enthusiasts and the newcomer curious deserve. Here’s to The Los Angeles Audio Show ’25 and many more to follow!" Allen Taylor: President and CEO of the Society, remarks “I am extremely excited that the Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society is stepping up to co-produce a world-class high-end audio show. It will bring to Los Angeles the finest audio gear and speaker manufacturers demonstrating their creations in their individual showcases. Plus, industry-produced Show Seminars will spotlight the manufacturers' newest achievements and be an original premier offering of the Los Angeles Audio Show’25.” Jason Lord: Co-owner of The Source AV Design Group, remarks "The Audio Community has long needed an Audio show that brings the relationship between the manufacturers and consumer closer together to enhance the consumers understanding, trust and appreciation. Well, that time has arrived. The original owner of THE Show was moving in this direction, the 2017 LAAS was also headed in this direction and now the Los Angeles Audio Show'25 show is dedicated to this type of show. I look forward to being a participant in the Los Angeles Audio Show'25 show. It’s about time Southern California markets have a professionally run consumer audio show again." For the latest details please contact: Bob Levi> boblevi.laocas@gmail.com Justin Bird. Sales and Organisation: justin@chestergroup.org 07880 884123 Roy Bird: Marketing and CEO.roy@chestergroup.org 07553 374008or 01829 740650​

 

[J007B]

I can’t wait.

 

[tony22]

Sounds interesting, Ron, but at least IMO it's one more audio show during a part of the year when there is already a glut of audio shows. How many do we need crammed back to back, and more importantly how many can most manufacturers and major distributors/sellers afford to go to - especially when it's one after the other? We have CAF in November along with the NY show. Now this in January. FLAX in February, SWAF in March, AXPONA in April, MOC in May. Sure, they're mostly spread out geographically - I can see that point, but it kind of feels like robbing Peter to pay Paul. I think it will force many good names in the business to start limiting their footprints to what is regionally convenient. Great for small guys working in a given area to get their spot in a local show, but I think it will hurt all shows regarding the presence of the larger names.

 

[KeithR]

They should bring back RMAF and get rid of all the west coast shows. The LAOCAS has been the sole reason of the SoCal regions hifi show demise due to petty politics.

 

[Jimford]

“Get rid of all the west coast shows” says my friend that no longer lives here!

 

[Simon Moon]

Finally there is some hope for a good audio show in Los Angeles!

I hate to talk badly about T.H.E Show, but I am getting more than a bit disappointed with these 30 room shows. And these small shows started well before covid. And other shows around the country have had no problems recovering after covid.

Of course, I will be going to T.H.E. Show this June, but I am really looking forward to The Los Angeles Audio Show 2025!

 

[morricab]

​ Release Date: 29th March 2024​

The Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society and the Chester Group jointly present The Los Angeles Audio Show '25. Los Angeles, California - The Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society, Bob Levi, Chairman, will host The Los Angeles Audio Show ‘25 at the Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa Hotel on January 17-19, 2025, premiering the finest high-end audio components and loudspeakers from the world's best manufacturers and dealers. Open to the public, The Los Angeles Audio Show will focus on the industry leaders building the finest components for music in the home. Meet the world's most renowned reviewers and audiophiles, enjoy extraordinary hospitality, and immerse yourself in an exclusive event produced by audiophiles for audiophiles! The Los Angeles Audio Show premiers a brand new world-class fine audio show in America's number one market for audio sales and number two market by population. The Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society, the world's largest audio society, brings extensive expertise to crafting an original and powerful gathering. Enjoy the affordable and extreme, nightly live entertainment hosted by the extraordinary Michael Fremer, the newest and collector LPs and accessories, cool headphones and personal listening gear, extraordinary manufacturer seminars, wonderful listening experiences, and even fantastic food trucks and a California craft beer tasting. The Society recently celebrated its thirtieth anniversary and judges six audiophile and music awards. The Los Angeles Audio Show is our way of celebrating the lifestyle experience of being an audiophile and music lover. Though the Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society has participated in numerous audio shows as a sponsor, the Los Angeles Audio Show '25 is our FIRST show where we are participating as a Co Presenter, being a Joint Venture with the Chester Group as Organizers. With spaces for exhibitors tailored to their specific needs, a trade brochure and room pricing is now available. The Hotel has a well-balanced amount of Meeting Rooms and Exhibit Rooms. The expansive Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa Hotel is located just north of Orange County Airport and near the I405 highway. This highway links the hotel to LAX to the north. Approximately fifteen million people live in LA and Orange Counties served by this highway. The population for the entire area of San Diego to the south through Santa Barbara to the north is about twenty-four million people served by the connecting I5 and I405 highways. Bob Levi: Chairman of the Board of the Society remarks, "The brand new and original Los Angeles Audio Show '25 will reflect a level of fun and expertise unseen in most shows in any locale. We will specially craft it such that the wonder and entertainment of the fine audio experience begins at the front door and continues for three full extraordinary days. We thank Michael Fremer, of TAS and our Senior Vice President of Analog, for his superb advice and participation. We truly appreciate the expert organization and support of The Chester Group, which currently produces four other audio shows worldwide, and now celebrates 25 years in the business with over 200 shows organised to date, mostly pioneered events I thank Jason Lord, of The Source AV, the nation's top McIntosh dealer, for his advice and endless support throughout this audio journey." Roy Bird. CEO. Chester Group “We are the only Audio Show Organizer to have ventured beyond our own soil, having successfully re-energised the UK Audio Show scene some 25 years past, in most cases that has meant pioneering brand new shows around the world, or in some cases re-energising an earlier event such as this one, thus we are of entrepreneurial stock and have never lost sight of the industry we represent. As a family business we treat Exhibitors as valued customers who want a ROI from major events such as these, so working with and in the best interests of those Exhibitors, Co Presenters, Media Partners, and Contractors is vital. Although we’ve yet to organise an event on the West Coast of America, the ambitions and logistics are the same, a successful show. This is without doubt a team effort and we are honoured to have been approached by Bob and his team to re-establish a major show for Los Angeles. Michael Fremer: TrackingAngle.comeditor, The Absolute Sound editor at large, Senior Vice President of Analog for the Society, and past Founder's Award Winner, remarks, "The world’s largest audio society co-producing a world-class audio show in the entertainment capital of the world? That totally makes sense to me. It’s about time. LAOCAS Chairman Bob Levi, President and CEO Allen Taylor and the Chester Group team will surely deliver the audio goods, with the world’s major manufacturers and experts in every field participating, bringing to the West Coast three days of fun and excitement for audio enthusiasts and the newcomer curious deserve. Here’s to The Los Angeles Audio Show ’25 and many more to follow!" Allen Taylor: President and CEO of the Society, remarks “I am extremely excited that the Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society is stepping up to co-produce a world-class high-end audio show. It will bring to Los Angeles the finest audio gear and speaker manufacturers demonstrating their creations in their individual showcases. Plus, industry-produced Show Seminars will spotlight the manufacturers' newest achievements and be an original premier offering of the Los Angeles Audio Show’25.” Jason Lord: Co-owner of The Source AV Design Group, remarks "The Audio Community has long needed an Audio show that brings the relationship between the manufacturers and consumer closer together to enhance the consumers understanding, trust and appreciation. Well, that time has arrived. The original owner of THE Show was moving in this direction, the 2017 LAAS was also headed in this direction and now the Los Angeles Audio Show'25 show is dedicated to this type of show. I look forward to being a participant in the Los Angeles Audio Show'25 show. It’s about time Southern California markets have a professionally run consumer audio show again." For the latest details please contact: Bob Levi> boblevi.laocas@gmail.com Justin Bird. Sales and Organisation: justin@chestergroup.org 07880 884123 Roy Bird: Marketing and CEO.roy@chestergroup.org 07553 374008or 01829 740650​

Will you demo Clarysis there?

 

[Simon Moon]

They should bring back RMAF and get rid of all the west coast shows. The LAOCAS has been the sole reason of the SoCal regions hifi show demise due to petty politics.

Is that really what caused the "demise" of the SoCal audio shows?

After the founder of The Home Entertainment Show, Richard Beers, died in 2016, the remaining team that assisted in the organization of T.H.E. Show, despite attempts by the LA/OC Audio Society to communicate with them (to assist with T.H.E. Show, or to do a joint show), was not communicative.

So, to fill the void, the LAOCAS organized their own in 2017 at the Sheraton near LAX. It was a moderate success, at least in size. There were almost 100 rooms, and a very large marketplace.

With the decent success of 2017 behind them, they were on the path to an even better show in 2018, so they booked the 2nd weekend in June, for 2018. And with no (or minimal) communication, T.H.E. Show gets back in the game with their own show, and books the weekend before. The LAOCAS announced their show, and booked the dates before T.H.E. Show announced and booked theirs.

Then, without notice, Marine Presson, who was Richard Beers' right hand while he was still alive, on her own, without consulting with the other members of the LAOCAS organizers, abruptly (with only a couple months to go) cancels the show. She supposedly "found" some god or another. Why she would just not resign and let the rest of the organizers press on, is beyond me, or anyone else involved. I was in pretty close communication with one of the LAOCAS organizers, and they were completely shocked and surprised at the cancellation.

So, that just left T.H.E Show in 2018, which was tiny. 25 rooms at most. With a tiny marketplace, with several vendors selling skin care products (if I remember correctly, there was also a time share vendor!), and only a few audio related vendors. T.H.E. Show then moved to Long Beach, with a pretty good show in 2019. But the last 2 have been about 30 rooms.

With the lack of success of recent T.H.E. Shows, the LAOCAS wanted to have another show, but to try not to "rock the boat", they booked it for January of 2022. At the time, in the moths leading up to that date, it looked like covid was fading, but there was a huge spike that winter, so the show was cancelled.

And of course, despite all other audio shows around the world, and in the US, recovering to near pre-covid size and attendance in 2023, T.H.E. Show still could only muster another 30 room show.

So, I am at a bit of a loss to see how it was the LAOCAS' fault, do to politics, for the lack of a good show (up until now) in SoCal.

They were the ones who reached out to T.H.E. Show organizers in 2017/2018, with almost no communication in return. They were the ones that booked and announced their show first in 2018. They were the ones who booked their show in 2022 in January, so as not to compete with T.H.E. Show in June. They also, after they cancelled their January show, in 2023, announced on their webpage, that they supported T.H.E. Show 2023, and wished them luck.

And now again, for 2025, they scheduled their show for January, so as not to compete with T.H.E show.

Michael Fremer wrote this article in Stereophile, placing blame squarely on Marine Presson, where it belongs, not on the LAOCAS.

Dazed and Confused"—LAAS Audio Show Cancelled (And Not Due to Lack of Interest!)

 

[Ron Resnick]

BREAKING NEWS:

Chester Group has pulled out of collaboration with Bob Levi's show! So Bob's show likely is dead -- unless he can find another show organizer.

 

[davidavdavid]

Here is the statement from the Chester Group:

https://www.chestergroup.org/news/the-los-angeles-audio-show-25/116

 

[unboxed]

They should bring back RMAF and get rid of all the west coast shows. The LAOCAS has been the sole reason of the SoCal regions hifi show demise due to petty politics.

How thoughtful of you to dismiss an entire coast. A few years ago I made a list of over 30 audio equipment manufacturers located in California alone. A good number of them are major players on the world stage. Oregon and Washington can add additional major players.

I do agree producers could do a better job. This is one time where competition is not beneficial

 

[Ron Resnick]

Thank you, David.

I think this is a wonderfully forthcoming and classy statement by the Chester Group.

The Chester Group's report does not reflect well on Bob Levi's communications with and representations to the Chester Group:

"information was incorrect"

"overtly combative"

"misinformation"

 

[KeithR]

How thoughtful of you to dismiss an entire coast. A few years ago I made a list of over 30 audio equipment manufacturers located in California alone. A good number of them are major players on the world stage. Oregon and Washington can add additional major players.

I do agree producers could do a better job. This is one time where competition is not beneficial

as someone who lived in LA for 20 years until 2023 and saw the show's demise over time for the largest market in the country, yes I think I'm correct.

 

[Ron Resnick]

The LAOCAS has been the sole reason of the SoCal regions hifi show demise due to petty politics.

I think this is substantially accurate. To "petty politics" I would add "egos" and "money."

Circa 2016 what I believe was then called colloquially the "Newport" show was getting better and better. I remember the show before the decline -- the one where Jonathan brought big MM3Exacts and a Studer tape machine.

People generally loved that show, and there was some speculation about how if the Newport show continues to get bigger and better at the rate it was going it might become the best show in the USA.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

I think this is substantially accurate. To "petty politics" I would add "egos" and "money."

Circa 2016 what I believe was then called colloquially the "Newport" show was getting better and better. I remember the show before the decline -- the one where Jonathan brought big MM3Exacts and a Studer tape machine.

People generally loved that show, and there was some speculation about how if the Newport show continues to get bigger and better at the rate it was going it might become the best show in the USA.

Newport was the all around most fun show just because of the airport proximity and great weather. RMAF was also a blast consistently, but the airport and weather made it hit and miss.

it did seem like the local audio club and all the commerce and politics involved with that club castes a pall over any SoCal event. they think it's their own sandbox and squeeze everything. got to get their slice.