[Mike11]

I see that many of the high end speaker companies are signed up as exhibitors for CES 2010.
Is this a good forum to audition speakers? Worth the time, expense and hassel? Does Saturday have too many people that prevents extended listening in any of the rooms? The acoustics of the rooms are not suited? Possible to hear the best of the best in 1 location? Any rumors about the new VR77s making an appearance?
Any opinion is appreciated as I have absolutely no interest in what Las Vegas offers.
Mike

[Don_S]

Mike,

You asked a lot of questions and will get answers all over the place.  Here are my opinions after four consecutive years at CES and T.H.E. Show.

My philosophy is if a speaker sounds bad at a show that is exactly what it means:  The speaker sounded bad at the show.  You can't necessarily extrapolate past that except in some instances.

If a speaker sounds good at a show there is a reasonable chance to also enjoy it in your listening room provided there were not any show conditions you can't duplicate such as room size or components/wire cost and type (e.g. monster tubes and you can't stand the heat).

Even with reduced attendance at CES there are sufficient crowds that you cannot expect to have any significant time auditioning a speaker--especially if it is a popular one.

One day won't do it.  No way, no how. Unless you have a short hit list and don't want to explore other speakers.

Don't miss out on T.H.E. Show which will be at the Flamingo this year.  Just a short walk from the Venetian.  T.H.E. Show has a great website and will list their exhibitors.  It is a new location so I can't speak for the acoustics.

Acoustics in the Venetian are poor.  The suites are split level. Speakers set up in the lower level are too close to the listener.  Speakers set up in the upper level do not have symmetrical walls and lots of in/out traffic.


I also feel that Las Vegas has nothing to offer me except the audio toys.
But you should attend some audio show at least once just for the experience. It can be a blast.

[jab]

Hi Mike,,  I've been attending the CES for the last 13 yrs or so and its a terrific place to see all the equipment you've heard and read about and to meet the genius behind the designs.  Its also a great place to meet fellow audiophiles and share experiences,, it is a social event that can be a lot of fun.  The "sounds" in any given room are dependent on room limitations, equip placement and "system" compatibility.  Don't discount a bright system and/or deem speakers in one room as failures until you've heard later, properly set-up with synergistic electronics..  Often times the equipment on display suffer from "break-in" issues as well esp when electronics, cables or speakers,  are "rushed" in to demo.  Quiz the room leader on all the above and bring your own familiar discs to listen to... That said,, I prefer RMAF to CES.  Logistically its much easier to navigate,, crowds are less, traffic is a non-issue, the prices are right for the hotel stay and the pace is much more relaxed.. You can really spend quality time with the audio designers to discuss concepts and vision without much distraction. 

Albert mentioned recently that he is planning to display the VR77's for the first time at the 2010 CES.  I can't wait to see and hear them!  They'll be the singular reason I'll be attending CES!!

Best,

Jack

[Don_S]

Mike,

I forgot to add that if you have a good CD burner it is good idea to burn a test disk or two.  I have known people to lose originals by walking out of a room and leaving them in the disk player.  Also if you want to hear the maximum amount of music you don't want to wait for the exhibitor to change disks.  It is also a courtesy to them and other guests.