http://www.monoandstereo.com/2016/05/impressions-on-munich-high-end-2016.html#more
Sorry to post such a long article, but the last few paragraphs sum up my thoughts.
I only didn't bring any music assuming most rooms would have a selection to choose from. Boy, was I wrong.
Ralph of Cessaro had NOT A SINGLE rock lp to play.
The SG rollout/512dsd show used anodyne covers of songs as big part of the demo.
The majority of rooms played smooth vocal jazz/elevator pap of the lowest order.
The only exceptions was a room where some good 'ol fashioned jazz rock was belting out, and the Zu/Mach room where the ever dependable Sean Casey was hosting a vast array of dance/ambient/Americana/alt rock etc. Thnk God for Zu at shows.
I'm sure there were others, but I couldn't find them.
Now, are we saying the gear cannot sound good w/challenging music?
Are we saying the typical audiophile actually listens to this dirge played all the time?
Are we actually saying the designers etc are scared to play challenging music?
If we went to a car event full of sports and performance vehicles, would we really be happy seeing them driving in first gear as if they're negotiating heavy traffic?
For this reason more than many, I'm not sure I'll make the return trip next yr.
Sorry to post such a long article, but the last few paragraphs sum up my thoughts.
I only didn't bring any music assuming most rooms would have a selection to choose from. Boy, was I wrong.
Ralph of Cessaro had NOT A SINGLE rock lp to play.
The SG rollout/512dsd show used anodyne covers of songs as big part of the demo.
The majority of rooms played smooth vocal jazz/elevator pap of the lowest order.
The only exceptions was a room where some good 'ol fashioned jazz rock was belting out, and the Zu/Mach room where the ever dependable Sean Casey was hosting a vast array of dance/ambient/Americana/alt rock etc. Thnk God for Zu at shows.
I'm sure there were others, but I couldn't find them.
Now, are we saying the gear cannot sound good w/challenging music?
Are we saying the typical audiophile actually listens to this dirge played all the time?
Are we actually saying the designers etc are scared to play challenging music?
If we went to a car event full of sports and performance vehicles, would we really be happy seeing them driving in first gear as if they're negotiating heavy traffic?
For this reason more than many, I'm not sure I'll make the return trip next yr.