I think it depends where you are in your hi-fi odyssey. A few years ago I found the show very helpful when I wanted to hear kit that was on the next rung up from what I had.
The problem I am having at the moment is that from where my hi-fi presently stands, it's difficult to see where to go next. I feel that I have spent enough. I could spend many thousands more and get a slightly nicer sound but frankly I have better things to do with my money (and time). What I'm looking for is hi-fi that breaks new ground at a sensible price point. I don't see much evidence of that at this show.
All the new CD spinners or amps or speakers are just minor tweakings of what we've had before and still just as expensive. Where is all the ground breaking new stuff (as opposed to same old in a new posh box).
Sure things are happening in the amplifier scene. Digital amps are improving in leaps and bounds. The Bel Canto S300i has genuinely changed the sound-per-pound ratio that one can expect from an amp but £1800 is still a lot of money for an amp to most people.
The Japanese look like they might be set to offer this new technology at real-world prices. Sony in particular have a new version of the S-Master PRO out in the form of the TA-FA1200ES. It includes 32-bit full automatic room correction and it costs £425. Yes you read that right. £425. Now that is ground breaking and something I would really love to hear but you won't find it at the Bristol Show.
In the loudspeaker world nothing seems to have changed as far as this show is concerned. Just more variations on 2-way or 3-way low-efficiency boxes. Yes you can spend more and get a better sound but the sound-per-pound ratio is dire as you move up the ladder. The sound just doesn't get better enough. It still doesn't sound real until you're spending mega-bucks and then most still don't.
I'm convinced that the future of loudspeakers lies in a different direction from the mainstream. I'm no expert but I've read a lot. I think we need to be getting rid of passive crossovers for starters (kudos to ATC as one of the few to carry the 'active' torch). We need to be taking more advantage of DSP. We need to be improving efficiency, not just because of global warming but because those who have tried it all say it gets you much closer to 'real'. Certainly my half-step in that direction with the 92dB Triangles bears that out. It seems there is also something to be gained from getting rid of loudspeaker cabinets. I know dipoles don't suit every room and need some space but only Jamo has so far offered one and it is insanely expensive (and isn't at Bristol this year). There is little innovation on offer at Bristol in this area this year.
Another area where the hi-fi establishment seem to be slow to catch on is in the use of computers as sound sources. Where are all the amps with Firewire/USB/Ethernet/Wi-Fi inputs? Even the new Sony mentioned above doesn't have iLink (Firewire). It only has S/PDIF which is not good enough. Kudos to AVI for their new USB active speakers which are at the show - a small step in the right direction. The Transporter is also a nice bit of kit and is at the show but it isn't cheap for what it is. If it were made by Sony it would be £300, not £1300.
Anyway, enough ranting from me. I'm not sure where the answer to all this lies at present. I only know that visiting the Bristol Show won't get me any closer
