I had a lot of fun. I always find it interesting to hear different views from others. I have gone to quite a few shows and I often find myself battling expectations and biases and pre-conceived notions. My friend said it sounds good...what am I missing. Its class A, how can it sound terrible. Its $150,000, it must be me. I must be the one without the golden ears. And it goes on and on. Tubes versus solid state. Tragic cone and dome versus horn. And don't get me started on digital versus analog. I try to be objective but it can be hard. I love dynamics and punch and probably like it more lively than most. YG for example strikes me as sterile and dark and spooky. But others love it. That's part of what makes it fun. I was very impressed with quite a few rooms and very disappointed with some others. A few more categories to Mike’s list.
Best speakers under $5,000
Emerald physics at $2,000 for the pair is a steal!
Simplest System with quite good sound
Auralic with Ryan speakers
Weirdest music
MBL room. Some bell gong thing. What the heck was that?
Biggest miss
B&O
Most room treatment per square foot
Austin Acoustics. Even had traps on the floor. (PS, I thought it sounded pretty darn great)
Most played
Diana Krall. Yeah, I get it, but… (although arguably good to compare rooms to each other).
Least played
Metallica
Best cordial
Black Sambuca
Best Host
Mike Bovaird
