6moons' Milan 2008 Show Report
We really enjoyed Srajan’s quite extensive coverage of the Milan show:
Lots of great photos and photoshopping. But mostly just enjoy the feeling of peering into the rooms at another show, with enough narration that one feels there is someone with us on the journey.
Sure, it’d be nice to hear how things SOUNDED at the show. But that is not really Srajan’s modus operandi.
I do like it that Srajan does not appear to be an ‘Industry First’ [audiophiles last] robot like so many other reviewers. You know, ‘My Industry Right or Wrong’? Sure, there is the desire to ‘Do no harm’ [to the industry]. But sometimes you got to break the arm to reset it correctly.
Now. About those comments on the Audio Note U.K. room 🙂
They actually threw a cloth over the furniture? OMG. People should consider themselves to have received a special honor from Team Audio Note. They have never, that I can remember, draped cloths over any furniture here in the U.S. What are we? Barbarians? 😉
Neli thought they should bring in a really nice piece of heavy Italian furniture to put the components on. Something striking. And heavy enough that, even without platforms with vibration control technology, there is something that is not vibrating like a violin string under the components. Of course, locating and installing this antique would be more the responsibility of the local importer than Audio Note….
As usual Srajan shows his skills as photographer and cheerleader. Nice pictures but not anything of substance. Your do no harm comment nails it. I have not paid attention to his flowery prose for years.
Now, could someone please pin him down and get rid of that damn mullet?
If you had seen what’s under the cloth, you would know why it’s hidden. The hotel supplies the ugliest support imaginable. Barely a table – certainly not furniture. There’s a reason Mario brings a separate turntable stand.
Srajan’s comment on AN UK’s set-up, “Audio Note UK just parked their speakers in the rear corners,” speaks volumes. It’s too bad he has no understanding of what goes into placing the speakers where we put them. Likewise, his comments on what matters at an audio show:
“when you’re competing for attention during an event that’ll quickly have even veterans at attention deficit from severe overstim, any excuse for a visitor to linger (or enter in the first place) is well worth the effort I think.”
Oddly enough, I would think that showing up with gear that causes an attendee to be drawn in and become involved with the music should be first priority, not the decor. The show is for enthusiasts, not reviewers. Their selection process is simple: They go into rooms that sound tempting and avoid like the plague ones that do not. Completeness of coverage is not a requirement.
In the four or five trips I’ve made to the Milan show, I’ve never seen any exhibitor field any Italian antiques -massive or otherwise – in a supporting role. Either flashy modern or minimalist seem to be chosen routes. I’m sure Ricardo would accommodate Peter if he asked for such a thing, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Actually, AN Kits covered not one, but two tables with table cloths at RMAF, so it has been done.
Yes, I’m sorry to say, in some ways we are barbarians.