I always find it interesting when the presenter makes music and volume level selections which do nothing to enhance the perception of the product or system.
Several years ago I attended a manufacturer-sponsored event to show off their line of amplifiers and preamps. This was a two day event in which one afternoon was for the local audio club and the following evening was for a small group of good customers at this particular dealer. The first day the rep was demoing a small (100-150WPc) amp and using a pair of W/P 8s to do it. He was playing some great music, but was playing it so loud that the amp was clipping... not a good showing.
The next evening he rolled out the giant SS monoblocks and they were paired to a pair of MAXX2s. Rather than play music this time he instead chose an annoying mix of sound effects and movie soundtracks. All were played at ear-splitting levels. Upon soliciting feedback one of the attendees made the comment, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I like to listen to music." On went a very good recording of a very bad Mahler performance and that's when I couldn't take it anymore.
The problem here was that he had in front of him a hand-selected group of individuals who had the funds and inclination to purchase his products. Rather than let the products speak for themselves under normal conditions he insisted on playing music (or sounds) AT the audience rather than for it. I haven't been to any shows, but many of the reports I read or first-hand accounts I hear suggest a similar problem.
I see it less as the specific case of systems being played too loud and more as an overall lack of consideration for the customer (whether it be end-users or dealers).
Several years ago I attended a manufacturer-sponsored event to show off their line of amplifiers and preamps. This was a two day event in which one afternoon was for the local audio club and the following evening was for a small group of good customers at this particular dealer. The first day the rep was demoing a small (100-150WPc) amp and using a pair of W/P 8s to do it. He was playing some great music, but was playing it so loud that the amp was clipping... not a good showing.
The next evening he rolled out the giant SS monoblocks and they were paired to a pair of MAXX2s. Rather than play music this time he instead chose an annoying mix of sound effects and movie soundtracks. All were played at ear-splitting levels. Upon soliciting feedback one of the attendees made the comment, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I like to listen to music." On went a very good recording of a very bad Mahler performance and that's when I couldn't take it anymore.
The problem here was that he had in front of him a hand-selected group of individuals who had the funds and inclination to purchase his products. Rather than let the products speak for themselves under normal conditions he insisted on playing music (or sounds) AT the audience rather than for it. I haven't been to any shows, but many of the reports I read or first-hand accounts I hear suggest a similar problem.
I see it less as the specific case of systems being played too loud and more as an overall lack of consideration for the customer (whether it be end-users or dealers).