“The November Hi-Fi Show… is like a place where you can go to test drive a Ferrari without buying it.”
That is as succinct as it can get when November Hi-Fi Show founder and organizer Tonyboy de Leon describes the annual year-end stereo and music exhibit.
This year’s edition will be held from November 11-12 as always at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati.
One exhibit that will surely draw a lot of audiophiles is Wilson Audio’s WAMM Master Chronosonic Loudspeaker System that comes with an eye-popping US$875,000 price tag.
“Wilson Audio is like the Louis Vitton of audio loudspeakers. That is a lot of money but believe it or not, there are people willing to pay that much to get the best sound possible,” pointed out de Leon.
Other exhibitors include dCS, one of the acknowledged pioneers in digital audio; American company PS Audio that specializes in high-fidelity audio components; pre-amplifier and amplifier leaders Conrad-Johnson; and Dutch high-end audio brand Mola-Mola; and many others.
Not to be left out are local builders such as Flipears, the first Filipino company to manufacture custom in-ear monitors; INM Audio; Harana Audio; and Music Haven to name but a few.
It is de Leon’s advocacy to help local builders by providing discounts for their rooms or tables for their displays.
Furthermore, it is in this November Hi-Fi Show where all manufacturers release their new products.
What began as a hobby project back in 2002 is now a must-attend event for audiophiles and music fans all over the country and the region.
“This year, we will have 60-plus rooms for exhibitors each making their own presentation,” bared de Leon. “For people looking to buy their first stereo system, this is the place to go before making a decision because you get to hear them and test them. You know what you are buying.”
“If you buy a sound system abroad and it breaks down, you are on your own. You buy here, you get a warranty.”
The November Hi-Fi Show isn’t solely about audio equipment. There too are the thousands and thousands of brand new and second-hand records, compact discs, and cassettes that will be on sale.
“It’s a one-stop shop for everything. What can I say but the November Hi-Fi Show is a music fan's and an audiophile’s delight,” de Leon said.