It’s entertainment

Audiophiles and music lovers have today (Nov. 14) and tomorrow (Nov. 15) to marvel at the impressive audio and video gadgets on display in this year’s staging of the November Hi-Fi Show at the Citadines Apart’hotel in Salcedo Village, Makati City. 

Even those who just want to take a peek at the glitzy high-end gadgets on display will be rewarded with valuable knowledge about the hobby from people who share the same passion. Yes, the show is not only for showcasing the best that the audio industry can offer. Each year, it connects the industry with its market, enabling both to grow and thrive.

The Hi-Fi Show has metamorphosed from a simple get-together of audiophiles trading their wares with one another, to an annual event that has become much bigger than what its organizers, led by Tony de Leon, could have imagined. It is the only event where neophytes and first-time visitors can just window-shop and come away with valuable information about the hobby from passionate aficionados. Many hobbyists even have their family in tow as they visit the various exhibit rooms. The show has since become the paramount channel for promoting the growth of the local audio industry.

This is AudioFile and STAR’s   4th year as joint exhibitor. As in our previous participations, we’ve endeavored to showcase a locally custom-built audio system: speakers by Larry Roxas; amplifiers, pre-amplifier, phono stage by Erik Flores; turntable by Chuck Pilarta, and cables and inter-connects by Cal Cano, with Buboy Sarte as overall coordinator. These audio gadgets are produced locally from the ground up with the best parts available for superior sound reproduction.

Ours is just one among several exhibits that highlight the local DIY industry. The fact that our creations can compete head-on with pricey high-end audio gadgets is a testament to the show’s influence in the DIY market’s progress. The show has inspired more DIYers to get involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of electronic audio products. Some of their creations are now marketed abroad.

Gauging from the results of previous Hi-Fi Shows, all notions about the sputtering of the analog market have been categorically laid to rest. More vinyl records and turntables will be on display this time around, proving that the analog renaissance is not just a flash in the pan. Turntables, tone-arms and cartridges -- from entry-level to high-end -- have been rolled out at this year’s show.

More importantly, however, the show has inadvertently created a podium where music lovers and audiophiles can assemble yearly to exchange notes on their chosen hobby. They may disagree about their musical preferences, and argue about what good music really is, but it’s the quest for musical nirvana that unites them.

See you all at room 1203.

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For comments or questions, please e-mail me at audioglow@yahoo.com.