In just over three weeks, the 44-year-old specialty consumer electronics retailer Audio Advice is hosting a three-day high performance audio and home theater event in its hometown of Raleigh, NC to showcase the latest and greatest gear from more than 60 brands, including many marquee names in A/V.
A first-of-its-kind event for the retailer, which runs the successful eCommerce site AudioAdvice.com in addition to maintaining world-class showrooms in Raleigh and Charlotte, Audio Advice Live kicks off Friday, August 19 at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Raleigh and runs through Sunday August 21.
Discounted Early Bird passes are available at live.audioadvice.com. A three-day pass is only $35 or you can get a one-day pass for $25 (Friday) or $30 (Saturday or Sunday). Show hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Showgoers will have the opportunity to learn about and demo high-performance audio and video products in “experience rooms,” check out audio gear on display in a large exhibit hall, and attend panel discussions offering DIY tips, deep dives into the science behind room calibration, and more.
New Products Galore
Many new products will be on display, in some cases for the first time. Here are a few highlights:
• Klipsch will stage the first public demonstration of its $35,000 Jubilee speaker system, a tribute to its founder Paul Klipsch.
• SVS will showcase its new Prime Pro Wireless series of speakers and mark its entry into architectural audio with demonstrations of its first in-wall subwoofer in addition to demonstrating a variety of models in three systems, including an “easy to install:” 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos speaker setup.
• Marantz will demonstrate its new Model 40n streaming integrated amplifier, a recent Sound & Vision Top Pick.
• Sony, JVC, and Epson will demo their newest projectors in home theater settings. Sony will pair its new laser projectors with B&W’s 800 Diamond series speakers in a setting that allows attendees to compare different models on the same screen. JVC will also offer comparisons of three new projectors, while Epson demonstrates its new LS12000 laser projector, another recent Sound & Vision Top Pick .
• Arcam will use JBL HDI Series speakers to demonstrate its new line of 8K-capable surround receivers, featuring Dirac Live EQ/room optimization.
• Devialet will showcase its new all-in-one Atmos-enabled Dione soundbar (watch for our review) along with its unique Phantom I and Phantom II compact speaker systems.
• Paradigm will demo speakers from its new Founder series in a two-channel setting with Anthem electronics
The Best of the Best on Display
A number of brands are planning to wow showgoers with demonstrations of flagship gear.
• Bowers & Wilkins, will display its iconic Nautilus speaker in a new Formula 1 color and demonstrate its vaunted 800 Diamond series speakers in home theater and two-channel settings.
• KEF will demonstrate its $35,000/pair Blade One Meta speakers in home theater and two-channel settings.
• MartinLogan will demonstrate its $100,000 Neolith hybrid electrostatic speaker system as well as its Statement 40XW in-wall speakers.
• MoFi Distribution will mark the debut of several new components in the context of a two-channel setup valued at almost half a million dollars. The system will feature Piega Master Line Source Loudspeakers and Balanced Audio Technology (BAT)’s REX3 preamp and REX 500 mono amps.
• Monitor Audio is demonstrating its new Silver 300 7G speaker system (watch for our review).
• Sony will demonstrate its $80k VPL-GTZ380 laser projector in a reference theater setting featuring RBH reference speakers and Trinnov Audio electronics.
• In a room dedicated to headphones, attendees will have the opportunity to audition top-of-the-line models from Audeze, Focal, Mark Levinson, and Sony, which will also demonstrate its latest Sony Walkman portable players.
A sampling of other brands attending Audio Advice Live include Bluesound, Definitive Technology, Denon, GoldenEar, McIntosh, Polk Audio, Pro-Ject, PSB Speakers, Revel, Rotel, Sonus faber, Stewart Filmscreen, and Sonos, which is making a rare show appearance to demonstrate its soundbars and speakers in a 5.1 home theater setup. Click here for a list of exhibitors and here for a list of products being demonstrated.
Informative Panel Discussions
As noted above, the event will also play host to a series of sessions and panel discussions.
• Opening Day Keynote with welcoming remarks from Audio Advice CEO Scott Newnam (Friday 5:15-6 p.m.)
• The Vinyl Revival: Turntable Must-Haves & Getting the Most Out of Your Vinyl Collection (Saturday, 10-11 a.m.)
• Getting the Best Sound Out of Your Room (Saturday, noon-1 p.m.)
• Hear Here! Top Features to Look for In Your Next Speaker Purchase or Upgrade (Saturday, 2-3 p.m.)
• What to Look for in Your Next Projector (Saturday 4-5 p.m.)
• Closing Keynote + The State of Streaming Audio (Sunday, noon-1 p.m.)
Click here for the complete Audio Advice Live schedule.
“Audio Advice Live is intended to give consumers an opportunity to experience a massively diverse set of home audio and home theater products all in one location,” Newnam said. “In addition to high-performance audio products, what differentiates this show is the additional focus on home theaters. Consumers can come see the best home theater projectors, screens, and speakers and talk to the world’s leading experts all in one weekend. We’ve intentionally located the event in the Raleigh downtown Sheraton where it is surrounded by incredible nightlife and concerts, making this a great weekend event for any audio or home theater enthusiast.”
If you still need a reason to visit Raleigh, here are four: Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, Ziggy Marley, Kevin Hart, and Jack Johnson are all performing in town that weekend.
For more information and to register for the event, visit live.audioadvice.com.
