The 2017 Los Angeles Audio Show held at the Sheraton Gateway was very well organized.
Being there on the day before and the hours after the show, it’s amazing the amount of work some of these vendors have to do to get these rooms ready. Their efforts are shown both audibly and visually in the rooms. I was only able to cover the 5th floor on the first day, fortunately some of the very best sound were on this floor.
The best part of the show was listening to all the designs. It’s difficult to isolate which component you’re actually listening to so the setups themselves are a curation of some of the best ears in the industry. In addition, the rooms were suboptimal and some were unable to perform room correction on their systems. Notwithstanding these shortcomings, many of these rooms sounded absolutely incredible. I was impressed with the effort these guys made to ensure the speakers were voice properly.
Overall the event was a very smooth and enjoyable experience. Admittedly, the attendance could’ve been better (sweet spots were obtainable in most rooms) but I thought this was a fantastic first show. I also felt it to be much more seamless and orderly than the 2016 Newport Show. There was less cognitive load and just more musical enjoyment. Kudos to those who help put all this together. Your efforts paid off and I’m sure it’ll only get bigger and better next year. I’m sure LAAS 2017 was only a glimpse of what’s to come.
Probably the most WTF setup at the show. HFC debuting the Pro Elite RCA interconnects. Surprisingly they were able to go through airport security without being stopped. o_O
Wyred 4 Sound’s DAC-2v2SE 10th Anniversary Limited Edition DAC
These TAD Micro Evolution ONEs ($12,495) had some of the best tactility I’ve heard at the show. It’s definitely the kind of sound that sings to me emotionally and has me slowly pulling out my wallet. Jonathan Derda from Mofi was describing the very interesting cabinet design which allows it to produce an enormous amount of low-end that competes with much larger floorstanders. One of my favorites from the show and one of the few speakers I revisited during my 3-day visit.
Fantastic room design and sound.
These Wharfedale Diamond 225 are great sounding speakers. Although the demo was more about IsoTek’s power conditioning, these sub $500 speakers sounded great even with a $8 surge protector. One of favorites from the show and an easy recommendation.
The Acapella Cellini ($55,200): Silky, seductive, and smooth. I had a great time talking to Neli (Cornelia) and spent quite a bit more time in this room than others. So musical and effortless.
Aurender’s new wireless speaker. Sounds pretty dam good for a wireless (~$3k). Just get the battery at Home Depot.
Michael from Elite Audio Systems always keeps it groovy with this selection of music. Although the room wasn’t optimal, he’s one of the best in the industry when it comes to the art of setup.
Had a great time chatting with the guys at Voodoo. Awesome guys.
Esoteric K-01X/N-05/G-01X/F03A and Canton Reference 3K ($15,600): Another memorable setup at the show.
Inside out, the Jadis stuff is absolutely stunning.
The BBBs didn’t disappoint. No one left their seats and the icing on the cake for the first day.
Vivid Audio Giya G1 – Six-figure sound at its finest. Absolutely exquisite, dynamic, and well textured sound in this room.
YG up in the hizzouse!
One of the most beautiful acoustic treatments at the show.
The Vapor/EMM Labs room was superbly fun and got everyone’s head bobbing.
Authority Monster
All-in-one solutions for small spaces and dorm rooms.
Had a nice chat with Sean. I thoroughly enjoy the look of these Zu Audio Druid 6 single-drivers. A very high-resolution and transparent sound. Hoping to get a few of their smaller models in for review.
Ampsandsound’s wonderful decor
Tidal Contriva G2 Speakers – So much authority while preserving a delicate musicality.
Gamut El Superiores S5 Speakers (~$26,000)
Gary from Audiophile Zone did a fine job voicing these Spendor D9 speakers.
Magnets make music but they’ll also make muscles if you were to curl these HFC Pro Elite RCA interconnects.
Had a great time chatting with Alex Siufy from Alma Audio. Mesmerizing and sultry music coming out of this YG + Aqua Acoustic Formula + Sound Galleries SGM 2015 Music Server setup. Although it’s difficult to discern which component I’m hearing, I recognize the Aqua Acoustic signature from the La Scala II. As far as servers are concerned, I’ve heard the Sound Galleries music server is currently the one to beat.
The demo by Bjorn Hegelstad at IsoTek made apparent how power conditioning could improve the dynamics and clarity of a system. The first thing that hits me was a much blacker background with more delineation from voices and instruments. Going from a cheap surge protector to the Polaris, huge difference. Doesn’t even sound like the same recording. Going from the Polaris to the Aquarius the differences weren’t as stark but it indeed provided more air, control, and resolution.
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Great pics!
THANK YOU - for the great pictorial ! Thanks for the chance to see everything I could have asked for -
I visited the budget and mid range rooms looking for speakers. First timer at a show. I really loved the Vanatoo, Ryan speakers, and ended up getting a Silverline Minuet. The Minuet has just amazing base for a two way floor stander and great all around.. you won't need more base and it really fills out the sound.
What was the most absolute system you heard on the show?
If I had to pick one, I thought the Merrill Audio + German Physiks was most to my liking. Boundless extension and dynamics, lots of air, tonal textures, and relentless authority.
Hi Jay,
Thank you very much for that compliment and visiting our room. But I guess that is how you bring home the bacon!! :)
Sorry could not resist that.
We are of course honored with your description and compliments. It was an excellent show which we are looking forward to again next year. The weather was cool.
Hi. Great coverage that puts many of the big boys to shame. However, may I suggest that you add to your mention of the Alma Audio room that the Sound Galleries SGM 2015 Music Server played an important part in the sound you heard with the YG and Formula.
Happy to answer any questions.
Al Mirabella, Ambassador for Sound Galleries and Taiko Audio
al.mirabella@soundtest.info
Thanks Al! Oddly enough I went back to that room to check out the Sound Galleries server. I'm afraid (for my wallet) to actually get one in for review as I've heard too many great things about it. :)
That was very nice that you took the time to go back to check us out. I was in the room from time to time but I also roamed the show so I might have easily missed you.
You are very kind to say that you have heard "many great things about" the SGM 2015. But do not let that scare you, lol.
Am I correct that you live on the west coast of the USA?
Good o' Los Angeles :)