The Day Before, Part 1 (January 7)

Although our "official" coverage begins on the first day of the show, January 8, preparations began the day before. This first part shows how the coverage team's morning unfolded on January 7.

The SoundStage! Network's coverage team descends on the Venetian, primarily the site for the specialty-audio exhibits. From left to right: Marc Mickelson, Jeff Fritz, John Crossett (behind) and Roger Kanno. Doug Schneider, who's taking the picture, is also part of the coverage team.

The first stop is the press-registration area, where badge holders are picked up.

Most companies are setting up, and it's too early to start product coverage, so the team uses the day to present the SoundStage! Network's annual end-of-the-year awards. The first stop was at the Weiss Engineering room. Weiss makes the Minerva DAC, which was the recipient of one of Ultra Audio's two Product of the Year awards. Weiss's own photographer took a shot of Jeff Fritz (closest to the camera) with company president Daniel Weiss.

After the Weiss award presentation, the team made its way to the THE Show at the Alexis Park Hotel & Resort, where Reference 3A was exhibiting. Reference 3A was the recipient of the other Ultra Audio Product of the Year award for the Grand Veena loudspeaker. This is likely the quietest you'll see the Alexis Park this week.

Jeff Fritz talks to Reference 3A's Tash Goka. The Grand Veena can be seen in the background. It was shown in a wonderful red-stained wood veneer with a splendid high-gloss finish. The award Reference 3A received can be seen perched on top of the speaker.

Following the Reference 3A presentation, it was time for something that the team won't get once everything officially begins -- a break. Continued in Part 2.