Anyone else go to RMAF 2013? (and where was Bottlehead?)

[crooner12]

I went for the first time and thought it was...interesting. I'll write a longer post on my blog another day, but in short, I left unimpressed and with even greater appreciation for my very modest Stereomour + NHT setup.

For those that went, what were your top 3 systems? Mine were:

1. German Physiks Limited 11
2. Sanders Sound Systems Model 10 (awful tight sweet-spot, though)
3. Wilson Audio Alexandria XLF (totally not worth the $200k+, but the system dynamics and piano reproduction were among the absolute best I've ever heard)

Also, I was hoping to listen to the Crack headphone amp, but sadly, Bottlehead was not at the show. Is there somewhere in the DC-metro area where I can get a demo?

[Brillo]

I went, but only to meet the guys from Sarduni Acoustics and listen to Xavier's amps.  After having attended for several years in a row, I passed last year. There just isn't much to offer to the DIY community. The seminars can be informative, but this year's offerings didn't fit my schedule unfortunately. The scale of the show this year seemed considerably smaller (and unimpressive, agreed). On the other hand, Can Jam doubled in size since Doc's visit a couple years back.

In sum, I just don't fit within the demographic group this show targets and generally leave feeling unloved. Ha ha.  That's okay though. I am glad to have found Bottlehead products, this forum, and the wealth of objective, real-world input available here. 

[4krow]

 Hope to hear more about this event(photos). I have never been to a single event like this, and wonder if I have been missing out...or not.

[Natural Sound]

I think the timeline conflicted with the Great American Beer Fest. And I mean... Come on... It's BEER!

[ironbut]

IMHO it's worth going to one of these events at least once.
It can be really fun if you don't take things too seriously (like so many of the attendees do).
Kind of like going to the ultimate audio shop.

It's nice to listen to another system that seems to have something "going on" then try and figure out what it is that sets it apart from the crowd.
I learn just as much about what "I" enjoy and really "speaks to me" as "what's the best gear".

[corndog71]

Hope to hear more about this event(photos). I have never been to a single event like this, and wonder if I have been missing out...or not.

I haven't been to RMAF yet but I went to Axpona in Chicago earlier this year and it was a good time.  I'm definitely going again next year. 

[Brillo]

Re-read my post. Sorry to sound so down on the show. I'll change my tune a bit. It is a lot of fun, especially if you haven't been to a similar event. And Denver in mid-October is a great place to visit. There is a ton of audio variety and much to be learned if you take your time and experience as much as possible. Lots of people invest a ton of time and effort to put on the show or showcase their wares, and that deserves credit and recognition.

[4krow]

  Chris,

   I think that I wouldn't apologize too much if I were you. I just read an online review of the event, and was impressed with the lack of predjudice, if you will from the writer. What he said did not surprise me at all. Seems many manufacturers are just trying to show their bling, and figure the louder the better. The hotel room setup is not a great start by any measure, so it might be difficult to get the most out of equipment. Snotty distributors here and there, and well, I'm not so sure that I would pay $25 to attend. having said that however, the writer did mention several good experiences as well, much to his credit. So, yup, not too surprised to see that it is a mixed bag sort of affair. In spite of that, I generally have heard good things about this show. Maybe someday...