Robert Silverman entertains a full room of guests. Live performances provide enjoyment but also a reference point at these shows. More often than not, piano doesn’t sound quite like the real thing in many of these “high-resolution” setups.
I’m seeing more and more of these REL subwoofers in listening rooms.
PS Audio debuts its new PureStream Power Plant 20 (P20). $8,500.
We had a private session with the man himself, Paul McGowan. He’s a great guy to talk audio with and we had a fantastic time listening to some of his favorite recordings.
Inside of the PS Audio P20…
This setup was Best of Show for me. Those Wilson Alexia Series-2 loudspeakers really sang to my core. It had the most realistic timbre and tone of any setup I’ve ever heard. It was also dynamically immersive. I’ll write more about it in my Show Awards write-up.
Tiffany Austin performed beautifully and reminds us of how far we are from achieving a live performance in our own systems. When you stop thinking about resolution and warmth and are drawn only to the music…that’s when you’re truly at end-game.
When you love a sound so much, you get down on your knees and pray to the Audio Gods.
Fort Collins Audio room: Unassuming with minimal room treatments, small footprint floorstanders, and fronted by a Chord Hugo 2, this room was the biggest surprise at the show. These Spendor A4 ($3,195), driven by Quicksilver Mono 120 (KT150) ($4,395) were voiced so well and sang musically into the room. Fantastic resolution, expansive soundstage, proper tactility and tonal density. I’m surprised this room didn’t garner more attention.
Periodic Audio had their own lounge area at the show. Much better than bumping elbows in uncomfortable chairs in the CanJam section. They even had chocolate. I’ll be reviewing their IEMs very soon.
Zu Audio debuts its Druid Mk.VI at RMAF. Transparent, fun, and resolving.
Due to trypophobia, I had to close my eyes while I listened to these Tekton Design Double Impact speakers ($3,000/pair). Transparency and speed first comes to mind. Black background with fantastic micro/macro dynamics.
Valve Amplification Co. (VAC) Renaissance Mk. V preamp ($9,990 USD). Shares some of the DNA of their $75,000 Statement Line preamp.
Tannoy Kingdom Royal Mk.2 loudspeakers ($96,000). A very emotive, silky, and soulfully rich sounding system.
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Thank you for the Kind words about our room being the biggest surprise! Quicksilver amps as an important part of the system! The Spendor speakers are A4 not D4 - they are a fun captivating speaker. Sorry we did not have any components with zirconium !
I've corrected the typo. Thank you for setting up such an enjoyable listening experience. :)
Beautiful photo's, thanks!
Amazing show report - so many pictures!
Agreed, Stereophile writers are so full of themselves with their blathering prejudicial adjectives, which room, music or presenter didn't strike their fancy, not giving systems a chance to redeem themselves, lousy photography, plus the endless model numbers and price listing's make for a difficult translation of experience.
Your approach is uplifting and positive for it's been said "a picture tells a thousand words".
I appreciate that David. I think these show reports are complementary across all the other publications. We're just trying to paint an insightful picture for our readers. Luckily I don't have "assignments" and post whatever I think will bring more value to my readers. I personally feel it's difficult to isolate which component you're hearing in the room. I could make a speaker sound warmer or brighter with a swap of a power cable. That's why the Synergistic Research and Nordost demos were so enlightening, adding/removing one component at a time. This also applies to headphones. However, when a system sounds great notwithstanding these show conditions, that's when I zoom in. :)
Great photos! I appreciate all the details as well. I hope you don't mind if I repost a few with credit.
Be my guest, Will! Really enjoyed the ZOTL10 Mk.II at this show and your headphone amp with the ZMF headphones and HD650s at a previous show. I believe it was a San Diego cable booth.
I was at the show and thought the best speakers were the Lumen White, Monitor Audio, Tekton DIs, Revels, and the B&O powered speakers. The Micromega all in one system was very impressive. Thanks for the nice show report.
Thanks, Rob. I spent a bit of time in the Micromega room as well. Impressive sound for such a minimalistic setup. He also demoed the effects of the IsoAcoustic Gaia(?). The Lumen White had a realism I didn't hear in most rooms.
Hi,
Just to say sincere thanks for all your efforts - the best coverage of RMAF so far.
I do some reviewing myself (for 6moons) and I would love to have been there myself, but the 4.5k miles that lie between Glasgow and Denver proved a flight too far, at least this time around.
Interesting too to see Gryphon touching down in the States. I worked at their sole UK dealership for six years so I know the brand inside out. Also, it's always nice to read about Tannoy sounding good in far flung places, because the factory is just a ten minute stroll from my front door.
Finally & coincidentally - we share a favourite in Springbank 21; seriously it's been my #1 dram for many years. Although I more often 'make do' with the 15yr old if funds are tight, which is to say usually!
All the very best.
Hey Bill, you know what they say, great whiskey palates have great ears. ;) I was impressed with rich textures of the Gryphons at the show. Tannoys have a similar sweet and meaty tone. Never been to Glasgow but you're very close to ALL the whiskey action. I'll plan a trip to Scotland one of these days. Let me know which show you'll be attending next and we'll hang.
Any trip to Scotland and I'll happily be your whisky guide, absolutely. And if I do make it to the States I will definitely give you a shout. Keep up the good work. All the very best.
Jay
Your observations and kind words for the Merging Technologies room reflect some of the same comments we received from many music lovers as they visited our room. Thanks for taking the time
Mike
HI,
On behalf on VANA, the North American Distributor for Audio Physic, thank you for visiting our room and pointing out the beautiful Avantera III Loudspeakers:)
Nancy Weiner
Managing Director
VANA, Ltd
and the CODEX!