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On July 1, 1986, Advanced Audio Systems opened for business. On Saturday, November 11, it's going to celebrate with what Curtis Havens calls "an open format seminar" at the Sheraton Tacoma Hotel (1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, WA 98402. Tel: (253) 572-3200).

"We've been dealing with audiophiles for 20 years, so we know they're a knowledgeable crowd," Havens told Stereophile. "We thought it would be great to augment that knowledge with the insights of some real experts. We've invited Richard Vandersteen of Vandersteen Audio; Steve Silberman, Ayre Acoustics' national sales manager; Joe Harley, renowned recording producer and AudioQuest vice-president; Shane Buettner, technical editor of Ultimate AV; and Wes Phillips, a senior editor at Stereophile.

"Here's where I think it will get interesting," Havens said. "We'll let each guest have five minutes to speak about the 'state of the audio art.' Then we'll open the floor to questions from the audience. The discussion could go anywhere—and if things get dull, I have a few hardballs prepared to lob in there."

Unlike the "Roast the Editors" sessions at the Home Entertainment Shows, where everybody plays for the same team (sort of), the mixed makeup of the seminar panel virtually guarantees widely divergent opinions. I can testify from encounters at CES, CEDIA, many a hotel bar, and quite a few dinner tables, that Silberman, Harley, Vandersteen, and Buettner are good company—thoughtful, opinionated, and, frequently, excruciatingly funny. And what amuses all of them? Why, making audio reviewers squirm, of course. Fun for you, perhaps—quite possibly less so for yours truly.

The event is free, although the Sheraton does charge for parking. Refreshments will be served. The ballroom only seats 125 people, so reservations are necessary. Simply contact Curtis Haven or Bob McPeters at Advanced Audio at (252) 472-3133 or email advancedaudio@juno.com.