Axpona

This is what is hear way too much of in the "Big Buck" systems at shows, over the last decade!

Exaggerated high frequencies and etch = "detail"!

Biting unnatural attacks = "fast transient response"!

Unnaturally dry bass = "taut" and "tight"!

Don c 55, you are so right.

Donc55,
You are correct, that's my impression as well. I didn't bother with CES this year(after attending the previous two shows). I don't understand why that type of sound is seemingly the High End standard. It isn't a natural sound but rather a dry and sterile sound IMO. Don, I guess we hear alike.
Charles,

Charles and Don,
I concur. I was only at AXPONA for a few hours on Friday, which we all know is the usually the worst day of the an audio show. Of the couple of dozen rooms I visited, most were boring with the unfortunately typical "audiophile" sound, including the much discussed Magico. The exception to the rule was the Muraudio room, omni-directional electrostatics. I found them to be quite engaging - tonal balance with an expansive soundfield. And it is certainly true that I gravitate to my biased personal preferences, in which case I need to give a shout-out to the Volti/BorderPatrol room. For me, it was the much needed musical island of the show.

Hi Papermill,
No question there are good and even excellent sounding systems at shows, I've heard my share. It's just that too many of the highly touted and often very costly components are actually disappointing to listen to. They have that artificial sound that Don described so well. I bet the Volti- Border Patrol room was very good and more natural sounding.
Charles,