I imagine that at minimum, they will want to listen to releases on the following formats:- Super Audio CD
- DVD-Audio
- DVD-Video
- Blu-ray Disc
They may also have releases in download file formats (multichannel FLAC, WAV, or DSD files) and possibly even analog formats (quadraphonic LPs and tape reels). I have a universal disc player with digital (optical, coaxial, and HDMI) and analog (RCA) outputs that can play most—if not all—of the digital formats from disc or USB drive. The HDMI port can output bitstream or uncompressed PCM audio. It would likely be easy enough to integrate into your A/V system through the Marantz receiver using HDMI. As for the analog formats, would it be possible to hook up a turntable or reel-to-reel deck with 4 RCA outputs? I am assuming that if the members really want to hear these formats, they would be able to provide players.
As for the other side of the coin—marketing and publicity—I don’t have any brilliant ideas, but I do have some thoughts. The forum members are mostly audiophiles and not in the industry nor potential clients. Some of them might be potential students, but most of them are probably not. To that end, I don’t think this event needs to or should be restricted to just the forum members (who will probably number less than 20, if not less than 10). I think it should at least be open to current students, who might be inspired to sign up for the 5.1 class if they haven’t already done so. It could be marketed to prospective students as a chance to meet and chat with current students and instructors, with the surround sound music providing the soundtrack for a silent observation of the Studio A control room. It could also be marketed to potential clients in a similar manner. “Come tour our facilities and hear our state-of-the-art Meyer surround sound monitoring system in action.”