Another useful show strategy is find your reference sound as best as possible at the show, if you do not already know what that sounds like. Cost no object! Once you’ve identified it, don’t waste time listening to gear that is out of your budget range. Spend time listening only to things you can afford and might actually buy that are in a system that approximates that reference sound well.
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