Audio shows are tough. As a member of the press and, more specifically, as a representative of
Stereophile magazine, I feel an extreme amount of pressure to do as thorough a job as physically and mentally possible. (I should emphasize that I put this pressure on myself.) It would be outstanding if a single person could cover an entire show, spending quality time with manufacturers, dealers, and readers, while also actually having the opportunity to
listen to the gear being presented. But no audio show is ideal—not even this year's
Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, which was, by all accounts gleaned so far, a great, great success.
I am thankful, therefore, to have been part of a team, including John Atkinson, Michael Fremer, and Jason Victor Serinus, each of us performing important roles during the show and offering unique perspectives on its many elements. (Mikey's show coverage will appear in our January 2009 issue, on newsstands mid-December.) Not only am I thankful, but I find great pride and strength in being part of that team.
We
kicked
ass.
We were all surprised, however, by the size of the show, which I understand has grown considerably since its inception just four years ago. As Jason reported in
his wrap-up, this year's RMAF was attended by over 3500 people in its three-day span, with visitors from 22 countries, 47 US states, and my island home of Puerto Rico.
Exhibitors were pleased. In fact, while there still remained the overwhelming sentiment that an East Coast show is needed and missed, a few manufacturers I spoke to now regard the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest as North America's preeminent hi-fi show.
The most impressive and encouraging aspect of RMAF, from my point of view, was the large number of young music lovers in attendance. Never have I seen so many young faces at an audio show. I admit: Relatively speaking, I am still new to this; I've been to no more than a dozen audio shows, and guys like Michael Fremer, who have attended hundreds of these events, literally run laps around me. But I felt an enormous shift in perspective, a very positive sway, during this year's RMAF. Whereas in previous years, at other shows, I have inevitably felt like the youngest, least experienced person in attendance, at this year's RMAF, I pictured myself as being part of a peer group.
I can't overstate the importance of this shift. It
feels very important—not only for me, but for the greater hi-fi industry. On a personal level, this younger audience meant that I was no longer consumed by a desire to belong, but was able to finally see that I
do belong. And not only do I belong, I in fact serve a very specific and important function, that of nurturing—in a sense,
mentoring—those who are less experienced, those who are younger, those who may be feeling now, as I did then, that they do not belong, that they are lost.
Let me be clear: In past years, I found myself searching for my place; this year, among a larger group of younger visitors, I
found my place. And, with that, I am invigorated.
I have been saying from the start that
people of all ages can appreciate High End hi-fi. This year's RMAF proved that point. What this does for the High End industry is offer hope for a more vibrant future. High End hi-fi will continue to grow, new generations of music lovers will revitalize the old, and we can move forward, knowing that our endeavors will be appreciated by those to come.
I encourage experienced audiophiles to welcome the younger faces. We need to do two things. No, make that
three things. First, we should forget, at least for a little while, our stupid-high prices. Don't welcome newcomers to the hi-fi hobby by introducing them to your 10' tall, $100,000,000 loudspeaker. Do you think they'll be impressed by that? Do you think they'll find that attractive? Save it for later, when they're ready for it. Remember that what you consider "entry-level" may seem outrageous to someone who is new to the hobby. The fact that I'm no longer shocked by $100,000 loudspeakers is kind of scary. That I can see even a $2000 loudspeaker and think that it's "affordable" is fricking ridiculous. My perspective has been skewed by experience and exposure. But I only got to where I am because I'm a member of
Stereophile. Start off by telling newcomers that there are so many truly affordable components out there. You might mention the
PSB Alpha B1 loudspeakers, or the
Rega P1 turntable, or the
Wadia 170iTransport, or the
JoLida JD10 integrated amplifier.
Second, quit it with the goddamned negativity. No more of this "we're-dying-out-here" bullshit. If you can afford to build a $100,000 loudspeaker, you're probably doing alright. If you can afford to build a $10,000 loudspeaker, you're probably doing alright. Chin up, old-timers. And, guess what. People still listen to and love—LOVE!—music. They always will. No matter what. The end. There is so much great music being released today, it makes me crazy. I'm overwhelmed by it, and you should be, too. Listen to that music, be inspired by it, and share that enthusiasm with others. Tell people how wonderful it is to listen to
Fleet Foxes on a good hi-fi. Tell them, and play it for them. They'll hear it, too.
Finally, welcome the younger faces. I know I said that already, but it's worth repeating.
And they are here.
They are here! I saw the young faces at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. I saw their enthusiasm and their hope. My message to them is simple: Thank you for taking part. Just like me, you do belong. I know there is a lot to learn, but don't worry; you have time. Most important, have fun. This is music, after all.
