OK Guys,
First off, thanks to all of you guys who made the RMAF a very nice and successful show. Had a lot of fun, especially hanging out downstairs with you crazy nutcases.
A couple of observations here:
1. Never again will I have a room next to the elevator, with a dividing wall in between. Just a poor location.
2. Having been on the same floor the 3rd year in a row, I can definitely tell you that the floor traffic was down quite a bit from the last 2 years. However, didn't notice that much difference in our room itself. But then again, we had 1 listening chair on purpose for serious listening only, so, somehow it always felt busy. I rather have 20 people who seriously listen and will order than 2000 who are just peeking in for 30 seconds. However, traffic was definitely down overall.
3. As for coverage, a new $ 1,795 pair of speakers from a company that is mostly known for amps is just not as sexy and interesting as the latest 5, 10, or even 20 K toys. Just a fact.
4. I was very happy with our room. Not only did it sound very good, but it also kicked ass big time in the bang for the buck category. The look on some of the faces when realizing the $ was priceless.
5. Having said that, I have learned a bit too during setup with the Syrens. Keep in mind that this is a new product, and while I have every aspect of the Loreleis down cold, the Syrens surprised me a little bit. Might have been also the fact that they were less than a week old, and changed in the first 24 hours.
6. The one area where I know what I can do, and where I am honestly quite a bit arrogant is listening and set-up ability. And here i have to give a BIG shoutout to George, Frank, and Alex for assisting me Thursday night with setting up the system. Alex and I know each other very well, of course, but I have to admit (which I rarely do) that George and Frank's ears are very much on my level. Kudos, hats off, and again, thank you very, very much.
7. Syren: yes, it is indeed very similar to the Loreleis, which in themselves are a $ 8,600 (6,000 Euros) design. I have to seriously looking at a more efficient production very soon, because, and especially after the show, they are already flying out the door. So, overall, it was very good indeed.
Late,
Klaus
