Los Angeles Audio Show 2018 Report
LAAS 2018 High-End Audio Show Report

UPDATED: An Open Letter to the Industry. LAAS Cancelled.

UPDATE I: As of 5/3 at 12PM local time there are conversations in progress about the possibility of it being saved by the LA/OC Audio Society. 

Update II: As of 5/3 at 2PM local time on The Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society Facebook page it says, "Bulletin for Members and Friends Regarding LAAS.

There are NO negotiations between the Society and LA Audio Show in progress or contemplated to save 2018. The post saying this on the LA Audio Show website is false. 
We recommend you submit for any refund you may be owed by them ASAP.

The Society"

Dear Industry Friends,

It is with sadness and regrets that I announce the cancellation of the 2018 LA Audio Show — Orange County. Refunds will start to be issued immediately to those exhibitors who have already paid deposits and/or full remittances for space and other services. These refunds will be in the form of checks and will arrive by USPS Mail to the address provided on contracts. Attendee tickets will be refunded through the system they were purchased.

Once more, I remind you that as Robert Evans stated, "There are 3 sides to every story: Your side, my side, and the truth. And no one is lying. Memories shared serve each differently," but he also stated that "any man who thinks he knows the mind of a woman is a man who knows nothing," so please allow me to touch briefly on what has changed since my last note.

There have been a series of events — much like "Murphy's Law" or even "God's Plan" both on the professional and personal level — that has overtaken my ability to perform at the level I expect of myself and the industry deserves. I put in the maximum efforts I could to absorb the chaos and protect the community, but I have run out of fuel in every sense of the word. My shoulders can no longer bear this weight.

It has been an honor and privilege to carry on the legacy of my mentor, Richard Beers. I have sought to do right by him by keeping his traditions and adding innovations I believed to be vital to the future of our industry. It was always my hope that Richard's divided inheritance would be unified again in the end, and for me, it has been evident that this year presented multiple opportunities to end the separation and I could no longer ignore the dangerous reality of our circumstances. It is my sincere belief that while the lessons and blessings earned were worth everything and part of His plan, I must also admit this LAAS should never have been created, to begin with. We should have collectively worked harder to stay unified in our efforts, and I hope that is how you are able to collectively move forward at this time.

With that said, I urge all those who can, to make arrangements to support The Home Entertainment Show, June 1-3, 2018 at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum Hotel. I am truly apologetic for any inconveniences this may cause the industry.

At the same time, I still fervently believe in the power of music to make lives better and I do believe that high-fidelity reproduction has merit for making that experience even better. I still believe the future success of high-fidelity audio lies in a mainstream approach that connects all generations and budgets which is why we intended on following a new direction.

I also believe that the recent Pulitzer Prize awarded to Kendrick Lamar is recognition of this universality. Hip-Hop has been around for decades, but somehow this Award "legitimizes" it and allows it to take its place as an authentic musical style rather than an aberrant offshoot of music. As Dana Canedy, the administrator of the prizes said, "The time was right... It shines a light on hip-hop in a completely different way. This is a big moment for hip-hop music..." It is evident, to me and select others, that our world is moving in a new direction and it is my sincere hope that those who continue to run audio shows in the future will understand and acknowledge what I believe to be truths and continue to expand on what we had begun.

As for me, since I am left with nothing but myself and a roof over my head by a very loving and generous Father, I will be writing a blog sharing my story of faith. I do not know what is next but I do know that I have much healing to do — mental, physical, emotional — and need to recharge my batteries so that I may apply my energy, creativity, and passion in a way that serves God and fulfills my life purpose to inspire Humanity towards peace and unconditional love.

I am truly grateful for all of you, for all the lessons and blessings, and I look forward to perhaps meeting and working with you again in a different capacity. I wish much success to T.H.E. Show Newport and its patrons and truly hope that Richard's legacy will be honored for years to come.

It has been an honor serving you. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Sincerely,
Marine de Rogez-Presson

PS: Please do not be fooled by a photographed smile and make-up (note: Enjoy the Musc.com is using a differnt image). This has been a very arduous journey and a decision that had to made alone with my faith and one I only could've made from being completely broken down and incapable of fighting another day like this. It is never my first choice to quit, but it is always my first choice to follow my life purpose. "Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12 (NLT)

  LA Audio Show, the industry's best event in Southern California, has moved back to Orange County for 2018. This fun-filled show features live music, seminars, and a variety of special events. Open to both the industry and public, you can come experience a wide variety of hi-fi audio systems, compare, and even buy! "If your toes tap when you hear a certain piece of music, if a song brings back memories, if you still know all the words to a song you haven't heard in years, or if you fight the urge to stand up and boogie when your favorite song comes on, then the LA Audio Show is the place to be" says the show organizer. "Music connects with our emotions like no other art form and we're giving you more than 100 private listening rooms for you to hear music through Headphones and Speakers, demonstrating both Analog and Digital rigs. High-fidelity music is not a thing of the past, it's here to stay and if your home lacks a system, you are missing out on one of the tech industry's best-kept secrets."

Special Events And Experience
LAAS's 2018 theme is "Putting the 'SHOW' back in Audio Show," so you can expect an abundance of lively entertainment, informational seminars, premium food & beverage, plus $1,000s in raffle prizes! You'll bask in not just the beauty of music, but in the glorious Southern California weather and lifestyle.

Want to learn about the latest in hi-fi? If so, then join LA Audio Show's daily event for beginners that will leave you feeling knowledgeable and confident enough to make a purchase so you can begin enjoying your music, for real.

Those who enjoy a personal audio experience using headphones, in-ear monitors, and portable media players should visit an entire hotel floor of private demo rooms featuring the hottest products.

Love home audio, the audiophile lifestyle, or perhaps adding to your home decor will enjoy visiting many floors of private rooms featuring high-end audio ranging from entry-level to the world's very best.

The expansive marketplace at LA Audio Show will be filled with both new and vintage vinyl records, LPs, CDs, SACDs, audio accessories, and supplies. Everything from reel-to-reel to the latest Hi-Res Audio will be available at LA Audio Show 2018.

With a theme of "Movers & Shakers," the LA/OC Audio Society is excited to present its refreshed seminar schedule bound to delight all of our attendees! Of course there's daily live music and special entertainment surprises, plus wine & liquor expert and craft beer. Being Southern California, the food trucks will be offering excellent eats to the hungry music lover.

McIntosh Labs McMasters Class
Also of note is that during LAAS 2018 longstanding American audio manufacturer McIntosh Labs will be hosting their very special McMasters Class for Consumers!  The LA Audio Show has partnered with the famed audio manufacturer, McIntosh, to bring the company's industry-leading technical training to consumers. The certificated consumer version of "The McMasters Class" is adapted from the two-day course given to McIntosh dealers. This is a first-time opportunity for McIntosh owners, future McIntosh owners and those who just want to learn more about audio. There will be no extra-charge for the course, as it is included in the Show registration fee. This is a rare occasion for you to learn from a legendary manufacturer with decades of experience! This Certification Course for fans has very limited seating, so reserve your space now!

LAAS also brings back the first time in nearly three decades that McIntosh Labs has offered a free diagnostic clinic to the owners of its gear. This rare opportunity will be sponsored, supported and operated by the Los Angeles service center, George Meyer AV. The McIntosh Clinic will examine the brand's pre-amps, integrated amps and power amps and will include a spec check, minor adjustments, and tube testing at no charge and a free estimate of repair costs for more serious problems. LA dealer, The Source AV, and the Los Angeles & Orange County Audio Society are also clinic co-sponsors

Where And When
LA Audio Show
17800 and 18800 MacArthur Blvd
Irvine, California 92612

Friday June 8th through 10th
9am to 6pm

Enjoy the Music.com's Previous LAAS Reports

Los Angeles Audio Show Report 2018, and LAAS 2017.