As millercarbon sez -- You go to a room. You audition...er...listen to what's on. Maybe you've brought something for them to play, but that's not crucial to the experience. In any case, the vital question is do you like it? Does it push your important audiophile buttons? If it does but it still doesn't quite make it all the way for you, are you able to articulate what could still be better? In other words, do the shortcomings seem fixable? If so, take a brochure. Take some notes. Talk to the person in charge. (Sorry...I'm constantly being interrupted by trick-or-treaters.)
How to listen /audition at audio shows?
I’ve been to RMAF a few times and learned a lot. Great fun and I eventually bought quite a bit of gear that I heard there. Right now I am going to Capitol Audio show to try to audition several high-end streamers (Aurender, Lumin, Innous, 432 EVO, Grimm and Antipodes are on my list). My request is for advice on how to compare models that will, of course, be in different systems in different rooms, etc. We all know how limited listening is in hotel rooms and that it will always sound different in your house with your system, etc etc. Accepting that, what are some of the smart strategies you’ve found to compare components at an audio show? Wouldn’t it be great if I could get two of the streamer vendors to connect their units to the same system, say after hours ... Not likely I know but any other ideas, tips or strategies? thanks