It's been a while since I've been in the "arena," but going to CES was like a reunion with a lot of old friends. It was great to see all of these people, and see what they are doing (and exactly how high they had moved up in the industry). I'm glad so many are doing well. And meeting new faces was great! CES is the place where you get to see everyone you communicate with over the phone and via e-mail during the past year - it'll be a long time before technology finds a substitute for this kind of human interaction! For me the show is like walking through the world's largest shopping mall of the coolest electronics. I get excited no matter how many times I've been, learning about new products that are coming to the market. I was going to CES before I even worked in theindustry, my father and I were just into it that much. He was all wrapped up in competition and I just loved all the music, cars and the electronics. Now it's my job to bring this show to CA&E readers, and present them with what is happening. But I do this not as a job, but as if I were going to build a system for myself, you might say, trying to decide what I would use. I collect all the catalogs as all enthusiasts do, and try to talk with all the manufacturer reps to find what is hot in their lineup, cutting through the marketing hype. Then once back home I go through all the catalogs and start the research.
For me it's hard to make my decision as to what I would use to build a system. We all love to dream! I do know what I like as far as particular pieces of equipment, but the final outcome is my only real concern - the music. I like my music to sound a certain way. But when I go to these shows I wear several hats: the "dream" hat, the "could work" hat and the "all mighty budget" hat. I know what building a system on a budget is all about. I grew up in Alabama where I saw the real world with a crystal clear perspective. Later, as my father and I got into the competition scene dreams became reality. In short, I have had it all. But at present I am thinking with my budget hat on again, thinking of starting all over again with a simple system using some basic components. Some of you may think I'm crazy. I would take that as a compliment.
In the past, I loved everything from Alpine. This was in the early '80s when everybody loved Alpine. I was also using Cerwin Vega and EV subs. Then we found out about Phoenix Gold around '94 - '95; they have tremendous power and a very clean sound to supply our team what we needed. I have always been into the import or small car scene; and I was turned on to the "power to weight" ratio meaning. Around 1996 I also started to apply this theory to my stereo system. I found that Zapco had the lightweight and powerful stuff. I was in love - small, powerful and clean. This product was made for me! I'm still using the Zapco stuff today. However, I am ready to start exploring new ideas. The Blaupunkt "plastic" amp, or what I like to call the iMac amp really has my attention. You guys know I like bass and, yes, we know this little puppy is not ready to drive the new woofers like the RFL/MTX beast, but I have to have an open mind and be ready to experiment with these manufacturers' new products. Usually in my real life I tend to find one thing that works and stick with it. I haven't always liked to experiment once I find what works for me, but now it is in order.
This issue has been quite a battle for real estate. It was a battle between editorial pages and the Directory. Sorry gang, but the latter won! No SUV coverage this time. We already have enough SUVs for the next eight issues. I know this is the industry choice in vehicles due to the amount of gear you can put in one, but then why not 18-wheelers? Come on, if you guys are going to go big, can't you find some soccer mom sporting a huge semi, or even a a huge granny tour bus with a hot system?