Pacific NW Audio Fest, A Short Report
Colleagues,
Due to my Wife's illness, I was unable to spend much time at the show, but I was favorably impressed with the quality of the various presentations. Almost all were first rate demo's of their gear.
A special mention should be made at the Genesis room; they served coffee (Starbucks) and donuts. Maybe next time we will be served Lox and Bagels.
A few observations;
It wasn't crowded, as it was in fact Friday.
Almost all attendees were male and over 50.
All the music being played was jazz. I was asked at the Kef exhibit what I wanted to hear and I responded March Slav. He didn't have that but put on Granada with a terrific trumpet solo. a couple of listeners got up to leave.
I was impressed by the Kef Blade speakers, more than any other that I heard.
No Harman exhibit. What's up with that?
I did have a nice chat with Bill Hanuschack of Great Plains Audio. He was showing his Altec line, and I have to say the quality was first rate. He was also showing their new 515-SW. a new sub woofer based on the 515. All GP drivers
shown used Alnico structures.
It would have been nice to hear a system that didn't cost the same as 2 weeks on the French Riviera, maybe someone there did but I had to leave early.
So is home Hi-Fi dead?
I posed that question to Bill Hanuschack and He thought that it was too early to tell.
Further thoughts on audio shows and a personal note
I realize that an audio show is like going to a Ferrari show room and wishing you were James Bond. But still a smart Dealer could show that a modest outlay could get you almost as good a sound (or maybe even more accurate) than the latest Belchfire IV speaker with speaker wires made from Unobtainium mined from the east coast of Madagascar and driven by the Alien Quest mono Block amplifier.
As an aside, I heard nothing that I would replace my 4410's and Altec 411 subs for.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy audio shows they are great fun, and if one is produced here next year I will attend it. Hopefully Harman will show up, but I fear those days are gone.
I have enjoyed audio since high school, and I miss those days when we would go to someones house to listen to listen to the Beatles on his new speakers. Come paring notes and enjoying a Rainier beer.
Regarding Concert Going;
Music affects us in ways that nothing else can. Nothing except your children being born, the way your beloved looks on moonlight nights your sons first home run or your daughters first soccer goal. And music can take you there.
As a performer and listener to classical music, nothing can replace a live performance. But a good system can get ......well almost there. But not quite.
A personal note;
My wife of 47 years now suffers with the most horrible disease of our time; Alzheimers. I won't belabor that she is being taken from me and our children in drips and drabs every day. I hope none you will ever have to face it.
Ed