THE Show Report

[MylesBAstor]

jeff put on NY's live at massey hall for me. i was floored. so tangible and life like, that LP never touched me quite like that through other systems. of the several rooms with great sound, this was the one system i lusted for.

Sorry should have made it clear I was referring to the NY Show.

And he was probably using the A90

 

[jeff1225]

It was great to hear interesting vintage records played with such enthusiasm, I just can't listen to new audiophile recordings at shows anymore.

 

[jap]

Here's the speakers in Rm.1022 at the Hilton:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=78948

 

[MylesBAstor]

It was great to hear interesting vintage records played with such enthusiasm, I just can't listen to new audiophile recordings at shows anymore.

Is it the recording or hearing the same audiophile reissues over and over again in every room at the show? Good thing is that is a repeatable source to compare rooms

 

[jeff1225]

I bring my own music when I want to listen critically to system, usually classical and something with a female voice. I also really look for a show to find new music and experience unique music.

 

[audioguy]

I also really look for a show to find new music and experience unique music.

Me as well.

Keith - I have never figured out how to audition most electronics at shows - particularly amps. I'm in a room I've never been in with (typically) a combination of products I either never heard or heard together with some cables I've never used. How do I isolate the amp sound (which I have also never heard) from all of the other variables? Just curious.

 

[flez007]

What a fun weekend---.... I was amp shopping, make no doubt about it so particularly focused on that area.

KeithR

So...Did you find anything you liked as for your next amp decision KeithR? (thanks for the report by the way!)

 

[KeithR]

Ok,
Which Christian Mcbride album are you referring to? Enquiring minds want to know.

Conversations with Christian McBride

 

[KeithR]

I've heard most of these speakers numerous times, so have an ok feeling on electronics--certainly would need a full demo in home to be ideal. For example, I've owned Wilson Sophias and have numerous friends who own Wilsons, so have a good point of reference. (or alternatively, I have owned the electronics like BAT) Usually a organic property to the sound is reflection of amp/speaker imo- and I play my own reference cuts, not vinyl or tape. A lot of rooms are now treating first reflections, so this also helps the comparisons.

Stuff like Scaena throws me a curve ball as I don't hear line arrays- and that is why Vac was difficult to assess. That room confused me in general as the sweet spot was much better, but outside of it was difficult to judge anything. I think this is the one thing I heard that I would like to hear again in a real home setup.

As far as an amp decision? I have been using a pair of Quad IIs Anniversaries on loan from a friend that I really enjoy....so I have a pair of II 40s coming in to try. I think Vac or BAT likely will be my next demo if that doesn't pan out.

 

[jap]

Here's the room that REG thought was the best at The Show:

http://www.iabmed.com/audiopics/THE_Show_2012/P1000598_.jpg

 

[KeithR]

didn't hear it, and the room i reference above was not it. sorry.

i used to love Dave Wilson's "surprises" in his room. Parasound stereo amp instead of Spectrals in the room perhaps was my favorite

 

[MarinJim]

Does anyone know who put on the Focal Stella/Devialet room? Thanks.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79983940@N02/7333154160/

 

[KeithR]

It was the Digital Ear. and it was terrible sound.

 

[MarinJim]

^ Thanks Keith. Don't know how someone can make the awesome Stellas sound bad! Maybe the recording?

 

[puroagave]

i heard the focals driven by devialet amps at the show and they sounded atrocious. they played some awful french pop music that didn’t help. this was a recurring theme in many rooms, they played mediocre recordings (sometimes of great music) that didnt necessarily promote what the were selling. there’s something to be said for audiophile recordings, everyone knows them and you have a fighting chance at getting good sound.

 

[flez007]

i heard the focals driven by devialet amps at the show and they sounded atrocious. they played some awful french pop music that didn’t help. this was a recurring theme in many rooms, they played mediocre recordings (sometimes of great music) that didnt necessarily promote what the were selling. there’s something to be said for audiophile recordings, everyone knows them and you have a fighting chance at getting good sound.

I have not heard a Devialet-based system that I liked....but there is some great French music out there

 

[DaveyF]

On the many occasions that I have heard Focal speaker's, I could never tell whether they would sound great or terrible. They seem to be EXTREMELY room dependent and ancillary gear is paramount in their presentation. ( IMO,more so than most any other speaker!).
Several years ago, I heard a Focal set up that was IMO at that time best sound at the show...since then they seem to have lost their way.

 

[Bruce B]

^ Thanks Keith. Don't know how someone can make the awesome Stellas sound bad! Maybe the recording?

I've always loved how the Focals sound, but this setup was bad. There was no soul and the sound was lifeless.

 

[MarinJim]

I've always loved how the Focals sound, but this setup was bad. There was no soul and the sound was lifeless.

Did you try and find out why?

 

[c1ferrari]

My spouse and I have been to RMAF '09 (entire show run), T.H.E. Show/CA '11 (entire show run), and T.H.E. Show/CA '12 (entire show run).

The sound in the various rooms with sundry sources, amplification, cables, etc., never quite enthralled us. I recall a Focal rep soliciting our impression outside their room in Denver and our attempts to convey our observations absent adequate command of the "audiophile lexicon"...nebulous as it was, then, and remanins, now.