The KEF Blades (can't remember the room number, on 4th floor of atrium) presented by Hear No Evil, were quite impressive. $30k speakers that easily trounced near all of the $100k pairs make them seem like a good value for the overly wealthy.
The only exotic, high-dollar pair that really blew me away were the Violoncello conical horns on Eisntein tubes (inc. CD player) displayed in one of the Atrium's 1st floor meeting rooms. Sound so life-like it was unbelievable. They played a choir selection that so filled the massive room, you could hear every voice. Then switched to some California Girls by the Beach Boys, and then something I didn't know, but the drum kit sounded amazing, every bit of attack and just the right decay, could have sworn there was a guy playing drums in a hidden space.
Definitely worth a good, long listen
Well, didn't get a chance to hit either of those rooms today. I did get to finally hear some Salks, both the Soundscapes (drool) and the Song Towers. If I had $16k burning a hole in my pocket I would absolutely own a pair of the Soundscape 12's.
Got to check out the Emotiva room and listen to the new 6.2 towers and 12" sub. The towers now have a front slot port unlike the current line-up of sealed speakers. I really digged the understated look of the speakers. Dan and the crew have a lot going on behind closed doors it seems. Keep an eye on them in the next few months.
Had a chance to meet Dr. Hsu and crew. Great bunch of folks and as always, a great demo room. Those bookshelves are not to be overlooked. If you're on a tight budget they really should be considered. I ended up taking home the demo VTF-15H at a very nice show discount plus another order for a second. I even persuaded Dr. Hsu to sign the sub for me before they boxed it up.
Biggest surprise for me in the dozen or so rooms I was able to check out had to be the
ACA Trinity's. The wife and I both thought they were the best sounding speakers we heard (other than the soundscapes). I almost ordered a pair at the show but decided I needed to upgrade the subs instead. Once the speaker fund is replenished I will own a set for the HT setup.
Overall, my speed run through RMAF was great, even with a 2.5yr old in tow. Got to meet a great bunch of folks, Jim Salk, Dan L. and the HSU crew were all a pleasure to talk to.
