AUDIO SHOW DELUXE 2023 BIRDS EYE VIEW AND THE PEOPLE OF AUDIO SHOW DELUXE 2023

From the moment that you arrived at Audio Show Deluxe at Whittlebury Park near the famous Silverstone racetrack, it was clear that this was not your average HiFi Show. Linette Smiths gives her Bird’s Eye View.

With the friendly welcome, the red carpet and logo-wall photo opportunities, and a glass of fizz while you were given a high-quality show brochure, you felt that you were about to enjoy something very special.

Mrs. HiFi PiG Linette at Audio Show Deluxe 2023 with a spearmint pair of Wilson Audio loudspeakers.

Whittlebury has undergone a very obvious redecoration and upgrade since the last time I visited a HiFi Show here, and this was the perfect foil for the High End audio treats that awaited in the generously proportioned rooms beyond. Eschewing the usual use of hotel bedrooms, Audio Show Deluxe only took place in the conferencing rooms of the hotel. Some of these were very large indeed, with one international exhibitor telling me that it was like exhibiting in the big rooms of the Venetian, back when CES was where you got your HiFi fix stateside. Even the ‘small’ rooms were syndicate rooms, well sized and with high ceilings, giving an upmarket lounge feel which was complemented by the systems demonstrated within.

The systems had been put together with the care and confidence that only comes from experienced audio experts who know their products and know how to create a true synergy between them. Every room was a discovery and it was wonderful to be able to take time to sit and listen and enjoy, rather than feeling the pressure to motor on, room to room so as not to miss anything. I spoke to countless visitors who said that they had been able to spend an hour in rooms that they particularly enjoyed, and then go back later to listen again.

Linette on the left with Kasia of Wellbeing Strategist.

This luxury of time created a lovely atmosphere, with visitors chatting over the complementary coffee and breakfast pastries in the hallways as they perused the rooms, being able to take a break without actually leaving the show. The courtyard layout of the wing of the building that was used for the show made browsing the rooms easy…I even wore heels for the show, something that never happens at huge events where I have to cover many miles in a day!

This theme of making the show a truly pleasurable experience for the visitors continued with a varied program of live music and interesting presentations in The Lounge which was also equipped with a cocktail bar. The magician with his close magic tricks was also a lovely touch and added to the relaxed atmosphere of the show. In the afternoon delicious canapés and glasses of wine were provided for the show guests, which were very much appreciated, as one couple said to me, “where else do you get to listen to such wonderful music and HiFi and get drinks and nibbles?”.

Stuart and Kris have created the blueprint for what will be an iconic HiFi Show, and I am sure many will try to emulate it. An experience to delight and luxuriate in, rather than just somewhere to go and listen to the latest in HiFi and Audio. The standard of the exhibits was also a magnet for the serious audiophile with a penchant for the higher and of the HiFi market. It put me in mind of a luxury car show where the visitors could enjoy the latest offering from aspirational marques such as Ferrari and Lamborghini.

Lin and Stu at Audio Show Delux 2023

Audio Show Deluxe is very much a boutique HiFi Show, it is a delightful addition to the UK’s roster of shows and for me, the dates in the HiFi Diary for shows in the UK will be the Bristol HiFi Show, Audio Show Deluxe, North West Audio Show at Cranage and UK HiFi Show Live at Ascot. These four cornerstone shows cover HiFi and AV from entry-level to Ultra High End and are well placed in the year to allow visitors and exhibitors to partake in other more local events run by dealers and enthusiasts.

Joint organiser Kris and his wife Kasia at Audio Show Deluxe 2023

I am already looking forward to the next Audio Show Deluxe, an excuse to dress up and enjoy the very best in luxury HiFi and music, with like-minded people, in a lovely location.

Read the main Audio Show Deluxe report here!

Linette Smith

SOME OF THE PEOPLE OF AUDIO SHOW DELUXE 2023