John
Remake/remodel. This year’s Rocky Mountain Audio Fest is set to be different with a capital D. With one corner of the hotel still closed off for renovations, all exhibitor rooms have been moved to the tower; all eleven floors of it. Head-Fi’s CanJam has been relocated to an enormous tent in front of the newly refurbished lobby. In front of that, a series of pod rooms, the largest of which will host the weekend’s seminars. Hats off to show organiser Marjorie Baumert for bringing it all together will more limited Marriott hotel real estate than usual.
Freshly fitted out rooms also bring fresh challenges to exhibitors who have to battle the hard surfaces of an immovable dresser and bed headboard. Does the two-channel exhibitor fire his loudspeakers down or across the room? This was the first conundrum faced by off-grid amplifier guru Vinnie Rossi.
The day before the show opens, rooms setup/chaos could be seen at almost every turn. Boxes being loaded in, furniture, especially beds, being removed. Respect to the manufacturers who work with each room’s compromises in maximising sound quality. Many work late. Some go through the night.
Coverage proper to follow in due course.
Further information: Rocky Mountain Audio Fest
