Thanks to all the organizers and vendors for their contribution to a great show - I learned SO MUCH.
My notes from the show below:
Grado Overload
HF2s - heard them everywhere with all kinds of equipment - dunno if it was burn-in but I doubt it - don't like them, finding them bright, coarse and lacking in bass, detail and PRaT, sorry
HP1000s - wow, I preferred these to the HD800s - amazing; loved their realism and transparency
PS1000s - left no impression of me after the HP1000s
GS1Ks, comfy, but boring
RS1s, variable depending on the amp, a bit muddy and coloured
HF1s and SR225S - liked these immensely!
Not Grado Notes
Craig from Eddie Current was a real gent and his Zana Deux is fabulous.
SOURCE FIRST - there are so many poor digital sources out there - it underscored for me it makes no sense to spend on headphones and amps if your source isn't up to snuff. OTOH, think I've found my new source in the Neko D100 - it's got a wonderful, natural tone and is very musical. Also a pleasure speaking to Wes.
The DA11 and Benchmarks are more or less comparable through their respective headamps - you'll get a professional, detailed sound, but I wish we could have heard them plugged into dedicated headamps.
Woo Audio had the best vendor display by far. I really enjoyed the WA6 and 6SE. And his prototype DAC is also super. Doesn't look cheap, though
I was also delighted by the new Shure SHR840 and even more delighted to win them in the raffle! Thanks, lads! Jude's impressions are spot on. Nobody looking for high-quality closed-backs for the office or more could fail to be impressed by them - they're outstanding.
My next fondest highlights were actually the member systems - some amazing DIY efforts of which I think the Bijou struck me most, and of course the B22s - the best solid state amp at the show.
For all the expensive, obsoleted electrostatic systems, the best sound for me was (can't remember his username) the Zana Deux hooked up to ATH-AD2000 open backs.
I've realised it's kind of easy to get a good even excellent hi-fi sound by throwing money at a system. But it's not at all the same thing as having an organic, emotional experience when listening to music, and that depends on each piece of equipment having that aim at heart. It's definitely not a science.
Now, off to say sorry for my wallet.