Audiophile Nirvana

OK, I'm supposed to be off to Europe. But I came down to Orange County for the weekend since some cool stuff is going on here, before putting my fate in the hands of KLM.

I spent Friday at T.H.E. Show, a big audiophile event at the Hilton across from John Wayne Airport. Never been to one of these before, but, what the hell, I'll never affort $15K speakers and $10K amplifiers, so I took the chance to at least listen to this stuff. But it was crazy, a zillion dudes trying to get their dicks wet in audio gear... so I only caught part of the show. I did hear some great music on gorgeous looking and sounding audio components, so it was fun. But now I can't listen to my own gear without going limp...

(As usual, click on the pics for a bigger image)

For the retro fans, here's a classic Tannoy speaker now reissued.


Tubes are big with audiophiles, as is chrome.


And everybody had to play records (sorry, vinyl...). And what a record player (turntable)...



Here's three of the many, many full on setups on display (way more than I could photograph, even if I could get a clear shot through the hot, sweaty bodies). Sorry about the last pic, out of focus, but an example of tube amps gone wild (and gorgeous!).




Having worked on amps and built kits, I'm always fascinated by the interiors as well as the exteriors. Sometimes parts placement and wiring can be quite artful.



Sorry there's not more detail, and more pics, but this was an overwhelming exhibit of audio porn... One of best exhibits for me was from Ogden. Very expensive and exotic gear, but of greater interest were the recordings. Minimalist, with no processing. Incredible sound quality... I bought their Joe McQueen CD.

Interestingly, not many women in attendance (and only a couple "booth babes), and I'd say 90% of attendees were over 50. The MP3 generation is taking its toll on good sound. On the other hand, I suspect only old, rich fucks can afford this stuff anyway. I sure screwed up on my IRA...