Thanks for the excellent report Miles--and the stunning TT photos!
I guess my worry with this show is that its just turned into another Stereophile show with super high end stuff and not much affordable gear---that wasn't what this show was created for a few years ago.
I understand why at CES the best of the best is displayed---but at a true "consumer" show it would be great to see more value options.
Thanks for the excellent report Miles--and the stunning TT photos!
I guess my worry with this show is that its just turned into another Stereophile show with super high end stuff and not much affordable gear---that wasn't what this show was created for a few years ago.
I understand why at CES the best of the best is displayed---but at a true "consumer" show it would be great to see more value options.
I think the show was created exactly for this reason. Originally, RMAF took whatever they could get, just like any show starting out. Now, I believe this is what they hoped for from the beginning.
The "value options" are always there, you just need to attend and find them. Everyone, including reviewers, have their agenda on what they want to see and hear. For example, some might not think of a $3k turntable as a "value option", but I visited Dan Meinwald's room and heard probably the most impressive vinyl at the show. It was the most impressive because not only did it sound terrific, but it was quite a bit less expensive than most of the vinyl rigs there.
Maybe I should ask you to clarify. What do you consider "value options" or "more affordable gear?"
The Daedulus/Modwright room used to be what the RMAF seemed to be about---a few more smaller companies with fresh new ideas. I guess throw in Acoustic Zen as well.
As far as price---would it be a shame to see a 5-10k speaker? 5k amp and preamp? Yes, there was the VSA speaker and several outliers like the Clue---but most RMAF reports I have seen show a bunch of 75k+ rooms. I will have to check out the Townshend Rock 7 which I believe you are referring to, thanks!
I just remember at the last few Stereophile shows (I met you in SF btw Jonathan--great sound) that attendance started to dwindle...and I can't help to think that it was because of lot of the gear has gotten so expensive. Perhaps I'm totally wrong about this. I am a younger audiophile (33) and my friends think I'm crazy for having a 20k system, much less a 75-100k system (which I will have some day).
Keith
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