Part 9: Capital Audiofest 2024 Large Rooms Part 2
Extensive CAF 2024 coverage of the large exhibit rooms.
Capital Audiofest 2024 Show Report By Rick Becker

The Atrium
I took a spin through the Atrium floor before leaving as there is always something interesting, even if it isn't a major component. Sometimes it is the little things that can make a big difference. That's why I'm always on the lookout for interesting tweaks.

In the back corner Norman Varney of AV Room Service who gave a 30-minute seminar on Noise & Vibration from an Audiophile's Perspective each day, shared a table with J.R. Boisclair of WAM Engineering who gave a 30-minute seminar on Mass and Rigidity – Your Two Best Analog Friends each day as well. I wish these had been recorded. I believe that's J.R. sitting behind Norm.

Yes, there were lots of LPs for sale at the show – but not as many as last year. Maybe they had heard my complaint about all the scratchy Beach Boys LPs I discovered last year and threw out all their useless, unplayable goods. Be sure to always check the condition of the LPs at these events and don't be afraid to challenge the price if the LP shows some wear.

Focal always puts on a headphone display, though this one was much smaller than at the Canadian shows. Sadly, I didn't spot the black key FOBs with bottle opener ends that they seemed to be giving out. As I said earlier, Sunday is a great day to visit if you want to sample headphones as traffic is usually lighter.

Sennheiser seemed to be giving out those same FOBs. How could I have missed them TWICE?!!!

ArgentPur was selling their cables here as well as being present in at least one room upstairs at the show.

Snake River Audio was doing the same....

With my roots in the furniture industry, this banner caught my attention. Maybe I should cover the High Point furniture show this year and revive my "Decorating for Audio" reviews? I'm not big on armless listening chairs, though.

The V4 chairs are imported from Europe. There are lots of manufacturers of contemporary chairs there and they are a lot more expensive than you might think if you haven't already shopped for one. I would caution you to try before you buy as many are a lot firmer than you might prefer for long listening sessions.

Presentation is everything!

The translucent plastic containers looked clean and inviting.

These guys were into manufacturing headphone amps but they had a wide variety of headphones to sample, too. Their display was tucked back in the corner that leads to the indoor parking lot at the hotel.

Anne Bisson not only had a table to sell her CDs and LPs, but she was jumping around at the show performing in several rooms, too!

Charles Kirmuss loves this industry and does his best to help us clean up our act. LPs in particular. His booth was my last stop at the show, but certainly not the least significant. Like in relay races, he makes a strong anchor!

That's it for my room coverage in Part 9. I'll be back in a few days with Part 10, my selection of Best Rooms at this year's show.

The Load Out
On the drive home, up US 15, I made an obligatory stop at the fireworks store as I crossed into Pennsylvania. My wife requested that I buy some sparklers for the 70th birthday party of a millionaire friend of hers in NYC. Like, what else would you buy a person who already has everything? New speakers?

In light of the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area as I write this, maybe it wasn't such a good idea. Hopefully, we won't be hearing about northern New Jersey burning down around her lake house next summer.

Peace be with you. And check back soon for the Best Rooms in Part 10.

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