Attending an audiophile show like AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) or Capital Audio Fest is more than just a chance to hear high-end audio gear—it's an immersive experience that blends technology, music, and community. For anyone passionate about music, whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a curious newcomer, these events offer a unique opportunity to explore the cutting edge while connecting with like-minded individuals.
At the heart of these shows is the gear. Large manufacturers, boutique brands, and dealers set up listening rooms where you can experience their products. Granted, the room setups are never optimum and sometimes terrible. Regardless, this is a rare opportunity to audition speakers, amplifiers, DACs, turntables, streaming systems, and tweaks. AXPONA 2025 had 213 listening rooms auditioning equipment. I've listened to million-dollar systems and impressive moderate cost solutions in the same morning. For example, at AXPONA 2025 Scott Walker Audio (Anaheim, Dallas) displayed a breathtaking $1.3M system with Estelon Extreme Mk II speakers, Vitus electronics, Taiko Music Server and a Sonorus Reel to Reel tape deck in a ballroom. At the same time, upstairs in a small hotel room, Consonance was showing a great sounding system that came in under $10K.
Many audiophiles rely on reading or watching YouTube reviews of equipment to help them decide what to buy. They regularly have passionate discussions about a reviewer's opinion of a product without having experienced the product themselves. Why not bypass the reviewer and listen to the equipment in person? Develop your own firsthand opinion of a new DAC or turntable.
Audiophilia is often a solitary pursuit, and it's rare when friends or family share your enthusiasm for speaker placement or magic stones. Audiophile events attract a diverse crowd, audiophiles from all walks of life. Striking up a conversation in a listening room or over a drink in the bar often leads to deep, passionate discussions about music, gear, and shared stories of the first record or concert. These interpersonal connections are one of the most rewarding aspects of attending. You'll meet people who share your interests, challenge your assumptions, and introduce you to new artists or products you might never have discovered on your own. I regularly meet up with friends I met at previous events.
Panel discussions and workshops are another highlight. These sessions often feature industry veterans discussing trends, challenges, and the future of audio. Whether it's a talk on room acoustics, recording techniques, or a Q&A with a legendary speaker designer, these presentations deepen your understanding and appreciation of the hobby. I usually plan to attend a few of these sessions, but I've never made it to one. I'm always distracted by some new piece of gear or bump into someone I know. Maybe next year.
Live music is also a staple at audiophile shows. However, while the performances are usually great, the sound systems are never up to audiophile standards. I've yet to attend a performance at an audiophile event that had a better than mediocre sound system. It's odd, frustrating, and disappointing that the show promoters never use a good sound system for live music performances.
Are there downsides to attending an audiophile show? Yes: cost, music selection, elevators, and viruses. You'll spend money that you could use to buy records or gear. If you live in SoCal, you can drive to the T.H.E. Show and spend $25 on a single-day ticket. At the other extreme, you could fly to Vienna, Austria, for HIGH END Vienna 2026 or to Japan for the Tokyo International Audio Show. I flew to Chicago for AXPONA, spent four nights at the event hotel, and had a rental car. This cost me ~ $2,000. In my opinion, it was worth it. It was like a mini vacation focused on my hobby. There are shows on both coasts and in Dallas, Texas each year. I believe everyone in our hobby should attend at least one show each year.
It's rare that I hear a new piece of music at an audiophile event. The exhibitors usually play the standard audiophile demo tracks. I stopped counting the number of times I've heard Tin Pan Alley or Hey Now. Some exhibitors will play requested tracks, and this can be awesome. I was introduced to Youn Sun Nah in the Audio Note (UK) room in 2023.
AXPONA is held in a convention center and attached hotel. The hotel has 16 floors. In 2025, there were 12 floors of listening rooms. The 11,000 attendees can create quite a queue at the elevators. My strategy is to take the express elevator to the top floor and use the stairs to descend.
Crowds and viruses seem to go together like Simon and Garfunkel. I've yet to return from an audiophile event without a cold or flu. I caught COVID at Pacific Audiofest. This isn't a unique feature of audiophile events. It's the combination of airline travel, crowds, and small spaces (hotel rooms) that raises our chances of running into a virus. You'll see a few attendees in masks.
In short, attending an audiophile show is a multi-dimensional experience. It's about discovering new gear, yes, but it's also about learning, connecting, and celebrating the art of listening. Whether you're looking to upgrade your system, expand your network, or simply spend a weekend immersed in music and sound, events like AXPONA, Southwest Audiofest and Capital Audiofest deliver on all fronts.
For many of the shows, there will be a group of Audiophile Foundation members attending. We share meals, comradery, room visits, system criticisms, and after-hours parties. Post a message in our
Industry Shows forum on our website to see who is attending, and use our free ClubExpress mobile app available in the
Apple App Store and
Google Play Store to stay connected with other members at the show.