RMAF 2018 @ the Denver Marriott Tech Centre was incredibly busy, especially on the Saturday. On the Sunday it was more relaxed and easier to get around without the extreme traffic. Maybe next year's venue will be better to navigate?
The sound quality the exhibitors got varied. Some of the room layouts and sizes and wall construction were not conducive to great sound. Some did very well even with the deficiencies. And the preferred exhibitors got the best rooms, though this didn't guarantee good performance.
What was good: MBL (with new electronics), Martin Logan and Harbeth did well as usual. PS Audio was very promising in a poor room. The large Raidho D4.8s great if you sit dead centre. Bryson amps and speakers produced prodigious bass. Magnepan 3.7i's were sounding sweet. NOLA speakers had breathtaking slam and soundstage.
Highlights: ESD horns and electronics. Vitus amps. TW Acustic raven turntable (there were many VPI Avenger Reference TT's there - also fine). Auralic electronics with YG Haley's. MSB with Magico M3's. Roger Sanders electrostatics. Focal Grand Utopia's with EMM amps. The four tower Verity Audio Monsalvat loudspeaker with their own amps - full system $1.1M! And my favourite without getting too silly - Bel Canto Black Ex with Tidal Piano speakers. Oh, also Audeze 4z headphones are fantastic.
And for design: Ayon valve amps. Triangle Arts turntables. ESD horns from China.
