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No one who wants the New York Audio Show to succeed more than me. But even I have to be realistic. The size of the high-end audio show continues to shrink and is just a shell of what it once was (of course that was 15+ years ago and times change). This years show sported just 16 rooms although the quality of exhibitors (no mid-fi, discounters this year) was a little better.
I should also add that many of the exhibitors weren't very prepared for the show and lacked handouts of the gear populating their room. Plus getting to them under the show conditions to ask questions just wasn't happening. Sound. Not much to talk about especially after last week's Capital Audiofest.
Highlights of the show were few and far between. Possibly the biggest for me was meeting an audiophile I haven't seen for the better part of 20 years (Bill Hart might remember John Voight from The Audiophile Society). Plus lots of other audio acquaintances and many people who really enjoy reading our bulletin board. Now we just need to get these people to participate!
That aside, many exhibitors brought turntables but took the easy way out streaming Qobuz (I had to look it up just to check the spelling) or just playing digital. Most turntables sadly sat idle gathering dust. I know Qobuz is making a big push to gain market share and sponsoring shows but it ain't high-end. It's good enough though for the masses. Even the new VPI Vanquish table debuted just last week at the Capital Audiofest down in Rockville, MD sat idle in the Woodbridge Audio room. What a crying shame!
Things that I enjoyed. Sound by Singer paired with Mobile Fidelity and Norbert Schied to put on a nice music show. using CH Precision, Feickert and Stenheim. The new llittle $2000 Ohm Walsh 2s demanded listening with better sources and electronics. The Blink Audio room (who travelled down from Boston) put on a nice show with the Fink Team Borg speakers (replete with all the Star Trek puns).
Yes, the New York Audio Show is hampered by a multitude of factors including cost and small rooms. On the other hand, no one would care if there was a big turnout. by audiophiles in the New York/Metro/Tri-state area. Yes, turnout as it happens seemed a lot larger this year with most rooms being filled to the gills on Saturday. Of course the majority of rooms sat at best six people.
I should also add that many of the exhibitors weren't very prepared for the show and lacked handouts of the gear populating their room. Plus getting to them under the show conditions to ask questions just wasn't happening. Sound. Not much to talk about especially after last week's Capital Audiofest.
Highlights of the show were few and far between. Possibly the biggest for me was meeting an audiophile I haven't seen for the better part of 20 years (Bill Hart might remember John Voight from The Audiophile Society). Plus lots of other audio acquaintances and many people who really enjoy reading our bulletin board. Now we just need to get these people to participate!
That aside, many exhibitors brought turntables but took the easy way out streaming Qobuz (I had to look it up just to check the spelling) or just playing digital. Most turntables sadly sat idle gathering dust. I know Qobuz is making a big push to gain market share and sponsoring shows but it ain't high-end. It's good enough though for the masses. Even the new VPI Vanquish table debuted just last week at the Capital Audiofest down in Rockville, MD sat idle in the Woodbridge Audio room. What a crying shame!
Things that I enjoyed. Sound by Singer paired with Mobile Fidelity and Norbert Schied to put on a nice music show. using CH Precision, Feickert and Stenheim. The new llittle $2000 Ohm Walsh 2s demanded listening with better sources and electronics. The Blink Audio room (who travelled down from Boston) put on a nice show with the Fink Team Borg speakers (replete with all the Star Trek puns).
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