Audio Shows - CES and what else?

Have been attending CES for many years. To see everything takes more than a day or two, in my experience, so I attend all four days and find it worthwhile. Although audiophiles can usually finagle their way in, I don't know if I can recommend it for all consumers because it is overwhelming and, let's face it, it's in Las Vegas, which incidentally is getting expensive. A lot of folks are finding RMAF to be the show to attend, and I can see why. Laid back, everybody's in a good mood, well organized and easy to get things taken care of, no union hassles and associated exorbitant costs, and so on. The hotel in Denver is very accessible, and there are plenty of places to eat nearby. I haven't been to a Stereophile show in several years, but they're OK.

Harrygoldsmith, Stereophile had announced on their website before their show last year that this year's show was going to be in Chicago. But that didn't happen because they were firm about wanting to hold it at the Palmer House Hilton, and by the time they got around to trying to reserve a date the only dates open were in February and July. Cross your fingers, they said the 2008 show will be here.
Brian

The history of THE Show has been alternating from NYC to LA. One year East Coast, one year West Coast. So every other year in NYC.

Jh2os, I think you are talking about the Home Entertainment Show not The Home Entertainment show. I think THE Show is never in LA or NYC. It is sometimes in Denver and Indianapolis I know.

IMO, the show to attend is RMAF. CES and the Stereophile show primarily cater to manufacturers and distributors. Setting aside the cost and stone cold quality of CES - and the ridiculous cost for any out-of-town attendees to the Stereophile show in NYC (not to mention the cost to exhibitors) - RMAF is geared to the enthusiast/consumer. I suspect we'll continue to see RMAF grow although CES will continue to survive in LV. FWIW, I've attended several CES', more than a half dozen NABs and a like amount of COMDEX' in LV. I can't stand the place but it can handle a ton of exhibitors and attendees. Unless you're into horrible traffic, brash neon lights, questionable architecture, gambling and cigarette smoke, LV is no place to park a show...makes Denver all that more attractive.