Which Show to Attend?

Regarding utilizing the services of a dealer to hear speakers, I recently wrote a bit of a personal rant on this topic in one of my speaker threads.

I'm interested in a new (or used) pair of relatively high sensitivity, easy to drive loudspeakers. There are about six possibilities on my list, none of which can be heard in Southern California for several reasons, one being the absence of local dealers.

So, while working with a dealer is a good idea, there are clearly times when it's not possible to do so, and in these circumstances shows like CES or T.H.E. Show offer the opportunity to hear speakers that are minimally distributed.

Ohhh Nooo Richard, say it isn't so. I liked Alexis Park. It was so, so, well--funky. I enjoyed the relaxed, no-casino atmosphere and the sunshine and fresh air between rooms. And it was so convenient to wander between there and T.H.E. Show.

Sure the rooms were not great for audio demos but I have never been in a room that was. Unless, of course, you had worked your magic.

Unfortunately it's true. I liked the atmosphere too and the rooms were really no worse than many hotel rooms. Bad dimensions, bass boom, hard walls (can be a good thing depending on your neighbor), it's pretty much par for the course. HE show in LA was different, very good room dimensions and not much of a bass problem, but that's extremely rare.

I am concerned at the Venetian they will pack us in every single room and the halls will be jammed with too much noise to listen to anything. We'll see. First year at any new venue is a challenge. It usually takes 3 years or more to work the bugs out.