Audio shows can be a strange experience. No, I’m not talking about catching a frightening glimpse of yours truly, shakily down on all fours, getting a close-up photo of an XLR jack. I’m referring to sound.
For reasons that still are a mystery to me, at some events you practically are overwhelmed by the number of glorious systems. At others, you can go a whole day (or more) without getting your socks knocked off. I’ve wondered: Are the shows that seem to have very few awesome rigs the ones that suffer most from hotel bugaboos, such as challenging acoustics and sketchy power? Or, is this a jaded-writer thing caused by exhibitors coping so well that many of the systems sound great, making it harder for one or two to stand out? I tend to discount theory No. 2. If that were the case, I still think even the most ear-weary audio reviewer would recognize great sound when he or she heard it.
Then, there’s the other kind of show – one that is somewhat rare – where there are so many systems that unquestionably sound terrific, not the same, of course, but each wonderful in some way, that it’s difficult to pick a favourite. System A was impossibly lush, System B had a midrange to die for, System C imaged like crazy…
That’s mentally where I found myself after looking at my notes and scanning my 26 full-length room reports on the 2017 Los Angeles Audio Show. This first-year event may have had some issues here and there, but there was one area where it delivered: listening.
From day one, I was not a fan of the Sheraton Gateway Hotel. It was a very comfortable place to hang out and sleep, but its layout was ill-suited to getting from one exhibitor room to another. Halls branched out in all directions from elevators and proceeded to stretch long distances. Signage was lacking. I felt sorry for some of the companies that had excellent displays, but were stuck at the end of a hallway.
Yet, once you found those rooms, there was much great music to be heard. It may be that the construction of the Sheraton was more sound-friendly than some other venues, but, then again, I doubt it.
I think a lot of the credit probably should go to the exhibitors themselves. In the last couple of years, audio shows have become a more important undertaking for many. With fewer brick-and-mortar stores, shows are an extremely valuable opportunity for companies to showcase their wares, meet potential customers and build their brand. Many seem to be taking this very seriously.
I am noticing more exhibitors arriving early to set up, tweak and burn-in their systems. Many bring acoustic treatments for the rooms. Sophisticated power conditioners have become de rigueur. There’s even a side business springing up for consultants to come in and do elaborate room measurements.
It’s a big commitment for many firms to attend a show. There’s the exhibit fee, equipment packing and shipping costs, travel, lodging and food. Personnel have to be away from the home base. The costs are substantial. One small retailer told me he spent $8,000 on the LA show.
Also, consider that not too many years ago there was basically the annual Consumer Electronics Show in January and the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in October. Compare that to 2017’s seven major national events (including three in California) and at least two strong regional meetings all spread throughout the year. (Meanwhile, CES has faded as a primary high-end destination, although some firms still attend, adding another expense).
So, that brings me back to LAAS 2017. While I didn’t enjoy getting lost indoors on an hourly basis, I did hear a lot of great sound and I had some fascinating chats with the people who made or brought the equipment that was responsible. (If you missed any of those, please visit the Part-Time Audiophile archives.)
My first audio show was an event in 1992 sponsored by Stereophile (also in Los Angeles). Since then, I’ve lost count of how many I’ve attended, but I think it’s safe to say I’ve never seen so many committed entrepreneurs – especially the mom-and-pop firms and other boutique outfits – achieving such good reproduction.
Even though all hi-fi boats are floating a bit higher these days, there still are some leaving a slightly bigger wake than others. So, after much consideration, here are my picks for LAAS 2017.
Best of Show
Higher-priced systems
— German Physiks/Merrill Audio Advanced Technology Labs: The combination of GP’s Borderland Mk. IV speakers ($36,500/pair USD) – which combine point-source and omnidirectional concepts – and Merrill’s smooth, detailed electronics was captivating.
— Vandersteen Audio/Audio Research: Retailer Optimal Enchantment paired Vandersteen’s Model 7 Mk. II speakers ($62,000 USD/pair), the new Sub 9 stereo subwoofers ($18,000 USD/pair) and the company’s HPA 7 amplifiers ($52,000 USD/pair) with Audio Research gear to create a system that had bass slam and sophistication.
— Tidal Audio: Doug White of The Voice That Is assembled a rig that included three Tidal products: Contriva G2 speakers ($65,900 USD/pair in veneer), Preos preamplifier ($32,900 USD) and Impulse dual-mono amplifier ($35,200 USD). The result was a dynamic, detailed presentation.
Mid-priced systems
— Zesto Audio: Owners George and Carolyn Counnas are on a roll, making a Part-Time Audiophile best-of list for the second time in two shows. At LAAS, they showed their new Andros Tessera phono stage ($12,000 USD), Leto 1.5 preamp ($7,500 USD) and Eros 300 mono blocks ($19,900/pair USD). The result was tube glory with exceptional detail and dynamics.
— Vinnie Rossi/Spatial Audio: Rossie’s LIO Super Integrated amp ($11,880 USD as shown in LA) and Clayton Shaw’s new floor-standing X1 open-baffle speakers ($14,000/pair USD with a painted finish or $17,500 in wood veneer) sounded like they were made for each other – because they were.
— Emerald Physics: Another open-baffle rig that impressed. This one included Emerald’s EP-2.8 speakers ($9,995 USD), powered by the company’s EP-200.2SE hybrid dual-mono amplifier/controller (also new, $3,495 USD).
Lower-priced system
— Ryan Speakers/Auralic: Ryan’s R620 tower speakers ($3,500 USD) offered balanced sound and outstanding imaging, operating with Auralic’s Merak monoblocks ($5,000/pair USD) and Altair streaming DAC ($1,899 USD).
The Rest
Biggest trends: Reel-to-reel tape, streaming, sophisticated power conditioning, acoustic treatment.
Former mini-trend, spotted again: room correction.
Tracks you couldn’t avoid, but didn’t mind: Stevie Ray Vaughan, “Tin Pan Alley;” The Beatles, anything from the Sgt. Pepper remaster.
Tracks you couldn’t avoid, but wished you could: Chris Jones, “No Sanctuary Here;” Nils Lofgren, “Keith Don’t Go.”
Auspicious debut: Kentucky-based Vehement Audio, started by two former high school friends, introduced its Brezza Forte floor-stander ($15,995/pair USD) while celebrating its first day in business. The Forte features a solid-surface front baffle, a ribbon tweeter and dual woofers in a transmission-line design.
Most fascinating new product: The Mag-Lev Audio turntable, which sports a platter that floats on a magnetic field. The $1,500 USD unit ships next year. Not sure what it will sound like, but you definitely could use it to entertain the cat for hours.
Kudos: LAAS show director Marine Presson for a valiant first-year effort, and Spatial Audio for sponsoring Part-Time Audiophile’s coverage.
You listed a mid-price system with 40k worth of electronics and no speakers.
Tells you a few things, no?
But what it doesn’t tell you is that there are a great many fantastic systems that cost (far) less than 1/10th of that cost. But it does point to the fact that there are also systems that are 10x or even 100x that cost. Hence, “mid-price”.
To restate what ought to be completely obvious: the term “mid”, when modifying the word “price”, does not imply, or even necessarily correlate with, quality.
Hi John:
My team and I thank you for awarding us your Best of Show at the LAAS. I believe I can safely speak for all exhibitors when I say that it’s appreciated that you acknowledge how we agonize over getting good sound in a less than ideal environment. Your observations are correct stating that many attendees do not take into consideration the time and effort that goes into doing a show – let alone the cost and commitment. Multiply these costs over several shows and you can quickly see that the shows are no small expense annually. One attendee actually asked me and was shocked to find his assumption of $100 – $200 per night for the room was way off. It’s a good feeling when show attendees enjoy our products and I, for one, really appreciate their smiles and positive comments on my sound as they leave my room. It’s much better when they remember the experience and call the exhibiting Dealer to make their purchase. Doing so ensures we Dealers can afford the expense of doing these shows and pretty much guarantees we return the next year.
Thanks again and keep up the great reporting.
– Doug, TVTI