Axpona

Of course it should probably be pointed out that when you listen to speakers your really listening to everything in the system, for better or worse. Especially at the shows when manufacturers INSIST on showing new unbroken in equipment they don't have a snowball's chance in hell of getting excellent sound. Maybe they can get generic, so-so sound. If they're lucky.

Essential audio, it's nice you have that attitude about your customers and treat them with respect. I wish more dealers in Southern California had that attitude. A lot of dealers out here are looking for the big fish. One in fact carries Magico and he won't give you the time of day unless you are looking to spend 6 figures on a system. He also works with one of the biggest charlatans in the business and endorses whatever this guru says. I won't mention names but if your into high-end audio in Southern California you probably know who I am talking about.

It is interesting that all or most of the Axpona rooms mentioned in this thread are identified by the speakers heard. So it is always good to keep in mind that speakers alone make no sound when evaluating what one hears.

Attributing everything to the speakers alone an easy trap to fall into. Its an error of omission mainly, but can be a misleading one when it happens.

Mapman, Agreed, listening at shows is confusing at best. However, when the whole chain in a particular room sounds great then you can be pretty sure about the performance level of the speakers. Also, it's important to wait until full warm-up on the third day of a show before forming judgment.

Its true, if you hear something you like in a system, you know what is possible with the speakers.

Then you just still have to figure out how to get things to sound that same way at home which may not be easy. :^)