|
Las Vegas 2007: CES 40th Anniversary
Impressions
Page 2
Acoustic Zen
We were greeted by Mr. & Mrs. Lee at the
entrance door to their room. There’s a saying,
“Behind every great man there’s a great
woman.” Now we know where Robert gets his
inspiration and it’s evident by the continuing
success of his new speaker line.
On display were the Adagio (ST – Most Wanted
Product of the Year 2006), Adagio Jr. and the
Adagio Subwoofer. Robert Lee commented that
last years sales of the Adagio speakers were
surprisingly good. You know that in this
economy that’s good news for the entire
industry.
Shakti Room/Emerald Audio
 Co-designers
Ben Piazza (photo left) & David Caplan were
demonstrating their Hallograph Soundfield
Optimizer. To quote Piazza, “The
Hallograph’s breakthrough technology is the
result of over 10 years of research that
studied the effects of the speaker/room
interface. We learned how to reduce the
audibility of the chaotic reflections from the
walls of the listening room so they won’t
overpower and interfere with the direct sound
from the speakers. The Hallograph contours the
frequency, amplitude and time coefficients of
the first reflections you hear, which produces
a stunning increase in realism.”
This quote was substantiated by employing the
wonderful 100db- Emerald Physics DSP- based
loudspeaker. The demonstration consisted of
adding and removing Hallographs while music
played.
The difference was as if someone was in the
closet flipping a switch.
With the Hallographs out of the room the
Emerald Physics had a nice presentation, open
and soft. Adding the Hallographs increased the
sound stage and provided a more
three-dimensionally palpable realism. I
believe that sometimes we change our
electronics or speakers before we understand
their total sonic capacity. The answer maybe
to address our accessories.
Globe Audio Marketing
Globe Audio Marketing is a Canada based group
that was demonstrating their Diva 97 dB
efficient loudspeaker. It’s a speaker that
according to Globe Audio is designed to be “a
universal speaker, ready for any type of
application.” To my ears this moderately
priced speaker deserves a critical listen
(Hey, there I am with Key Kim and WLM US
importer).
Monster
Event!
On Tuesday
January 9th in the Venetian Ballroom, Monster
Cable hosted their Annual Retailer Awards.
Honoring the most ”Monsterous Retailers of
2006”. The Head Monster himself Noel Lee
(above photo with CP) was
the emcee. Congratulations to all the program
participants.
 As
a bonus program feature and live on stage with
their band were George Benson & Al Jarreau
performing songs from their latest CD GIVIN’
IT UP.These guys had the joint rockin' from
start to finish. They were joined on stage by
the beautiful Miss Patti Austin, who added her
magic to songs such as “Moody’s Mood” and the
grand finally “Every Time You Go Away” among
others. They literally had people on their
feet and dancing in the aisles. It was truly a
monstrous show with an after party, live music
and finger foods (Wow!). Lastly, I got the
chance to meet the famous Terry Lewis (photo
with hat) of the famous music writing duo of
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis fame. Also it was a
surprise to know MC Hammer (far left) was in
the house and posed to take a photo here with
buddy Tommy Moore (who's the
guy in the back peeking over your shoulder?
No, it can't be... is that... Forrest Gump? Hi
Forrest).
Pictures NEVER LIE:
CP, our fearless leader challenged MC Hammer
to a dance contest and of course won. Terry
Lewis was the judge and awarded CP the first
ever Don't Hurt'em Hammer Lifetime Dancer
Award!
Now it’s time to say good bye.
Like all good things in life, they must come
to an end. As I walked the hallways of T.H.E.
Show and the CES on the last day a certain
void reflecting emptiness seemed apparent. I
likened it to when a New Years Eve party is
over but there’s anticipation in the air of
more to come, particularly in this industry.
Best wishes to all exhibitors and their
associates for a job well done under
extenuating circumstances. Some of the horror
stories they spoke about nearly brought me to
tears. Their stories varied from lost or
broken equipment to blown up amps. Could you
imagine spending your life savings and time to
develop a product that you believe could be
received by a community of your peers only to
have it arrive damaged? Please keep the faith
and maybe next year will be your year.
The thought of leaving Las Vegas was a downer
but I was looking forward to seeing my family
and sleeping in my bed.
Hey folks remember, “What Happens in Vegas
Stays in Vegas”
Dennis Parham
|
