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In the Forum: Audio News
In the Thread: THE Show, Irvine 2018
Post Subject: THE Show, Irvine 2018Posted by Paul S on: 6/3/2018
This year’s THE Show was in bustling Irvine, rather than tony Newport Beach.  The difference in the locations is just a few miles, but it was down-market all the way, with so few exhibitors (and so few attendees) it would surprise me if the promoters were able to do it again next year.   Frankly, there was little to see (or hear) compared to years past, not even serious portable streaming or headphones.  No TechDas, no Brinkmann, but we did “hear” a new, top line Technics ‘table that seemed to be very well made, and it’s sold with a tonearm that looks for all the world like the long-gone (but very fine) EPA-100 arm.  We also heard a pair of very small Raidho (D 1.1) speakers that seemed quite remarkable, for anyone who needs really expensive small speakers.  There were no really big speakers, but “the best sound at the show”, IMO, came from Milton tubed electronics driving JBL Everest (horn) speakers, even though they were fed a digital source.  In fact, to tell the truth, I heard no better sound this year from “the best” analog vs. “the best” digital.  A decent percentage of the exhibitors managed to deal with their rooms effectively this year.  Again, too bad there wasn’t more to hear.  This year I couldn’t find anything acceptable to eat inside the hotel or outside, from the “gourmet” food trucks.   All in all, it appears that THE Show [2018] still suffers ill effects from its cancellation and near death, last year.   I have no idea where the “high end” went, despite some pretty high prices asked for gear that in no way set itself apart from other, less expensive gear.  Not that I think price always correlates with performance; rather, I hoped (as ever) to hear the best smart people have to offer in the way of hi-fi equipment, regardless of price.  Oh, well.

Paul S

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