Hi Guys,
OK, I'm back. 3520 miles total, and had to sleep it off today. But it was a very nice drive. Man, Boulder and Santa Fe are beautiful. Albuquerque is much cooler than I thought. Tucumcari's only fame to claim has to be the scene in Rain Man. First time in Graceland, even though I've been in Memphis many times, and Beale Street never gets old. (As to Elvis, I want to make 100 Mill a year too after I'm dead). Ozarks are really nice. Oklahoma City casino gave us over $ 200, hehehe. And yes, Irina and I are in love with the Rockies. Finally, people in mid - Kansas or the Texas panhandle: please don't get me wrong, and this is not a criticism to you guys, but if I have to drive through your area one more time in the daylight, shoot me. Aaaaargh.
Now, I have a lot of thoughts here:
1. First off, thanks Nic and Gregg for the orders, and Nic for your wonderful post. He ordered the complete system plus amps for his AV system, paid me in full on the spot, and has to wait until X-mas. (had to leave for Asia because of the banking mess) How about that ???
2. So far in the last 19 years I have done over 60 shows, etc. This turned out to be my 2nd best show EVER !!!!! For one, I am completely, totally happy as to how the whole Kismet line turned out. Ecstatic, actually. This has been by far my best work ever. And in the last 3 months I have had several set-backs, especially on the metal. The original plans had to be scrapped, and as Alex pointed out, we only finished the case work in 2 consecutive all-nighters a day before I left for Denver. However, it turned out very cool, and many thanks to Rusty, who put my design idea into an awesome machining tour de force. Also thanks to Alex, who designed this ridiculously good sounding phono unit. The Kismet phono above all other products will get us straight into the no holes barred top end of high end, period. Anyway, as to the show, the room was actually ok sounding. We had one corner with some serious bass overhang, and that's where I stood pretty much every minute. Nobody else allowed on that spot, and for the rest of the room, it was ok, even at very loud volumes. Of course, the single listening chair didn't have any of these effects, since I carefully put it one foot in for nearfield listening, which was easily done because of the Speaker's dispersion. Result is that in this one listening chair (and no, as for you idiots out there who criticize the sound because you put your nose in the door for 10 seconds, you don't have a clue) I have had one, if not the best sound ever at a show. Friday was a good day, Saturday was just insane with direct orders, and Sunday, well, I could have slept all day. Big 0. Wouldn't have made a difference. All in all, an awesome show for the sound and actual business.
3. The show itself had much less traffic this year, even with more exhibitors than ever. Bad thing of course that there couldn't have been that much business for most. Good news though is that for the attendees it was good getting the best listening easier, and of course, seeing more toys than ever. Honestly, I have no idea as to where this industry is going. The trend over the past decade in the latest, greatest, and most expensive gear has been obvious, but now it is out of control. I have been in the elevators with several other manufacturer, and while everybody tries to put on a confident face, it is also very apparent that there is a deep dissatisfaction at the show. What do these guys think how many potential customers there are for so many $ 50 K + speakers or expensive electronics ???? Wake up. Then again, the hard economic circumstances right now are of direct benefits to me. Many of my new customers from the show would usually shop in higher price ranges. In my talks with them they were decidedly looking at more bargains than being in a free spending mood. Well, a bargain we have.
4. Yes, the sound was there, but I am still kicking myself (and have to kick Alex as well) about the gear. We just didn't get our asses in gear soon enough for various reasons. The Candela was 3 days old, the speakers 10 days, and the amps had a bit more than 2 weeks on them. Cables except for the LS's were new Gronebergs. I have the same system at home now, and will monitor further changes to see if the break-in curve is similar to that of the Stratos / Lorelei units.
5. BUT !!!! Again, we don't have the cache of so many other big names out there. Evident in that a couple of Stereophile guys and other magazine people didn't make it into our room in 3 days !!!! Well, the ones that did were blown away. Then again, I am not playing any politics game whatsoever, and really don't give a sh#$#$t, just concentrating on my own deal and my customers.
6. Lastly, a BIG thanks to all of you who made this a great show. I came to Denver with zero expectations, and actually in a very negative mindset for many reasons, but you guys (and you know who you are ) made it a blast, and a very, very successful one at that.
Thanks Guys,
Klaus
