![]() ![]() |
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
108.147.171.43
Pretty much all of us audio geek posters here are over 60 and retired. Basically other than a few responders we are all boomers. Another thing mentioned is that we are happy with the results of our pursuits, and likely will not be buying any big ticket items any time soon, seemingly as we already have them.
I know it was an unscientific poll, but one trip to one of the shows throughout the country and you'll verify the results. I wanted to go to the Chicago show in April so the wifey could visit with her mom in Naperville while I geek out in Schaumburg. As there is a show starting this year in Dallas in March, created by the Cap Audio Fest people, I think the visit to mom can wait until things thaw out up there.
Anyhow, do any of you old fogies have any plans to attend one, or more, of the shows this year?
Follow Ups:
Well, I will be 74 next month. The last audio show I went to was NY Noise in Hoboken; it must have been in the 1990s. I had great time but that was the last NY Noise. NY Noise was dedicated to the DIY segment of audio consumers.
I have relied on published materials for my hifi hobby insight.
For one thing, you can't tell much about how a component you heard at the show will sound like in your own listening room. For another there was always too much emphasis on the higher-end equipment that was beyond my budget.
Today shows are less relevant than ever. They continued to emphasize high-end stuff in an age when bargain components in many categories are SOTA in terms of SQ. Today shows are mostly an "audio jewelry" experience if you care about that.
![]()
Dmitri Shostakovich
They are a reason to visit a city. We would fly in on Thursday, and attend the show on Friday. Do dinner out at fine restaurants every night. Catch a jazz gig or two. See a Broadway show. Kathie can shop.
nt
![]()
Dmitri Shostakovich
I retired a couple years ago. I'll be turning 65 in a week.I'm not planning to attend any shows but I might on a whim. I got bored with shows several years ago for various reasons. I see them as more of a hassle and the same-ole same-ole geriatric snooze fest as before.
I'm very happy with my current system even though it's pretty 'cheap' compared to many other setups I've owned over the decades. I still enjoy trying new gear but no planned purchases at this time. But that could change.
Edits: 01/19/24 01/22/24 01/22/24
Like most here, I'm no spring chicken either, being 65. I have no plans of buying any more big ticket items, unless something blows up. I'm more content with my system than I have been in years, possibly decades. As for shows, the last one I went to was CAF 2018. I have no desire to go again. Despite buying a pair of speakers there, I found it too loud, too crowded and generally disappointing.
Jack
See my post of Jan. 17, "Summer of '18". :)
*********
We are inclusive and diverse, but dissent will not be tolerated.
...local meetings are held in the conference room at the town's mortuary.
. . . I definitely think you're OLD when you get to 60, and a GEEZER when you get to 70. (I'm 75 and still work part time as a piano accompanist to our many fine local babe string players - and THAT's certainly something that keeps you young, in spirit anyway. Frankly, I don't see how they put up with me!) When I get to 80, I expect to fit the ANCIENT classification, and if I get to 90, I'll be well on my way to the FADING AWAY category. ;-)
In answer to your question, yes, I expect to attend the California Audio Show this year (just as I did last year - when it was but a shadow of its former self). I've seen attendees with walkers at a couple of these shows - more power to them, but if I ever need a walker, I think I'll probably stay home. Since I'm mainly interested in 5Ch and Dolby Atmos these days, almost nothing at these various shows is what I really want to hear, but I still like to attend anyway, since I do still listen to stereo (even mono) sometimes, and there are always a few equipment brands I'm interested in.
you continue to forget taking a couple minutes to post a pic of your MC room? ;)
"I PROMISE to do within the next week!"
was two weeks ago!
In fact, I suffer because I haven't fulfilled my promise to you yet!
"Overpromising and underdelivering" - it's one of those things which can make you seem even older than you are! ;-)
But my intentions are still pure: I will get some pics up on the board here and let you know - and soon!
Not understanding the challenge today with everyone having a smartphone with camera. Really shouldn't take more than five minutes.
Poor Christopher. Does he have grandkids? Any 9-year-old could help him with that 5-minute project. ~:)
and if the 9 year old grand kid helped I want a Tik Tok dance too.
And no pretty girls either. Chicago is specific because it crystallizes an essence of Midwest Redneck culture. The folks there would run you over 10 cents but to be fair they do occasionally splurge to appear larger than life :) They promote Audio like a sausage. The same " down to earth approach and sensitivity. In my opinion they reach subterranean levels, but I'm allergic to snickers and baseball hats ( McIntosh demos too) All and all, not to appear snobbish and being from a working class I would recommend The show for a pig in the mud entertainment factor. Life is short. Don't tell me you're frequent in orchestra halls and Operas not to mention pop concerts decibels.Just go and entertain us with stories how your $999 Emotive HT setup blows away those million dollars systems
Edits: 01/17/24
Can you elaborate?
![]()
At 9Pm the city is pretty much done and it's mostly rude drivers are guarding their riches home constantly afraid someone will take them :)) They are always suspicious of being taken for a ride ha ha. I was living for 3 unhappy years there so I may be biased. When I moved back to Detroit and Chicago crew visited they were shocked how friendly and nice are people here.
Going Friday and Saturday. Haven't been for a few years.
My daughter has gone with me a couple times. They just bought a monster of a house out in the country, and want a dedicated audio room. They're definitely shopping, tho probably on the more modest end with a focus on sources, as we will DIY horn speakers and tube amps.
Back for a bit again. Ignore me if you like.
The only way I would go to another Audiophile/Stereophile show were if:
1. I were in Seattle to visit my Audiophile brother, while there just happened to be a show there.
2. There were a show in the Bay Area, and either my brother came down, or one of my two audiophile friends who live around here, went with me to the show. (FYI: I dislike going to the shows alone.)
3. One (or more) of the three above persons decided they wanted to go to the Big Show (CES) in Las Vegas, and perhaps also go to a Raiders game, (since I have not yet seen a game there).
(I did go about 10-15 years ago to CES with one of my friends, and it was fun, but I did not buy anything, nor did it lead me to buy anything.)
And yeah, I am a boomer, albeit not yet retired, although my brother is retired as is one of my audiophile friends who live closeby.
My two cents worth.
The last hifi show I went to was the California Audio Show in Oakland back in the summer of 2018. Went to a number of demo rooms. It was like deja vu all over again - it could've been a CES show like the ones I went to in the late '70s, but with new products. Same kind of setups, same kind of rooms with no acoustical treatments, same sales pitches, etc.I went to ONE "technical" session, 'cause it was a topic I'm familiar with and I wanted to hear what the guy had to say. It was about acoustical power output (acoustic watts). The guy was not a good presenter. How they chose him is beyond me. Besides talking poorly for over ten minutes before he even got around to saying the words "acoustical power", he got a fundamental formula wrong on his flipsheet pad, and his writing was barely legible.
Despite the ho-hum experience, I thought I might go again in 2020, but we all know how that summer unfolded, and I didn't travel at all.
I'd probably go to a show here in Dallas if there is one. The Lonestar Audio Fest has been held at Park Central in the past, and so I'd go to that if it's held again. The issue is knowing about it BEFORE it's over. Marketing for audio shows is less than excellent - a person has to keep their ear to the ground or there's a good chance they'll miss it. I know people who are musicians and have nice stereo systems, and they've never heard of Lonestar Audio Fest or AXPONA or Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, etc.
*********
We are inclusive and diverse, but dissent will not be tolerated.
Edits: 01/19/24
![]()
I am just hair under your minimum age. Compared to some I've never bought a "big ticket" item. I have found you can get great SQ without the big tickets.
I volunteer at CAF every year. It's fun and the people are great. Even got a shirt this year.
Gsquared
I am going to Axpona. But I also don't exactly fit your profile. I am buying some "big ticket" "items" this year as I have the previous two years.
With that said I go to Axpona and other shows for record shopping and audio porn. Most of what is there is stuck in 30+ year old technology. The big advances have been in looks, prices and bullshit.
They don't have Hifi shows that focus on true audio advancement. You have to search every dark corner at these shows and sort through tons of snake oil to find the few bits of real audio advancement at these shows.
But the audio porn is unbeatable
![]()
Yup, 67 and bought simple sturdy components that will outlast us. Our "not likely to play again" stack is getting bigger and we're listening less and less.
The small rooms at audio shows have run their course, we aren't planning on going to another one.
We're really bummed about Brian Hartsell passing, we had a lot of good times at The Analog Room before it closed.
I'm 77 and a long time DIY'er. Still have and am working on more projects than I will likely finish, though I'm much more focused on finishing things that I was years ago. Will attend the Burning Amp Festival this year, just as I have for almost all of them.
Skip
Yup... DIY is what keeps me interested. I would never buy a new expensive retail audio item. That just seems so stupid to me??!!
I might go to a show see some ideas to copy (and pretend like I could).
Well, "old" is a relative term. Remember, the chronological, physiological, and psychological don't always coincide. I'm 67, still work portions of the year in education assessment (actually looking for full-time), seriously ride my bike about ten miles daily on the bike trail, and take no prescription meds. Okay, to finally answer your question, yes I definitely plan to attend the Tampa show since I live here. Always curious about what's out there and it's fun.
My system is pretty well set, although I am changing phono preamps and getting a new one tomorrow. Over the course of the last 12 months, I have made other changes for various reasons - new CD transport, new sub, new amp, and several new cables (speaker and most interconnects now WW Eclipse 8). Not a high dollar setup, but sound is great. Your demographic assessment does appear accurate, though I'm not sure about this "old" thing... :-)
I think your demographic assessment of the local citizenry is pretty accurate.
I will not be going to any shows. There are none near me, and I do not travel well these days, for various reasons, not the least of which is the expense involved. I would go to a show if (1) it was close by, (2) entry was reasonably priced, and (3) there might be some interesting gear on display, and hopefully some cd/vinyl vendors on hand.
Lack of skill dictates economy of style. - Joey Ramone
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: