AXPONA 2018 Show Report – Day 2

The Audio Bacon team covered 80-ish rooms on Day 2 of AXPONA 2018. It was the meatiest day of the show. The foot traffic of many white-haired, round-bellied audiophiles was in full swing and the elevators were jam-packed. Some clever audiophiles even resorted to requesting harsh recordings or even passing foul gas to clear the rooms in order to obtain the sweet spot. Savage! Saturdays at these shows are considered fun days. Rooms break out the champagne and everyone's chatting it up. The noise floor ispats so high, it's sometimes difficult to get a proper listening session in. Some of my favorite speakers didn't sound quite their best this time around. That said, all rooms are forgiven. Although if a room sounds great in these conditions, there shall be praise. I'll note these rooms in the show summary after Day 3. A meaty day requires a meaty breakfast. Here's Wildberry's Butcher Block (hash brown, cheddar & jack cheese, 2 eggs, ham, sausage, turkey sausage, chicken sausage, and bacon...with a side of cinnamon roll pancakes... If there are any corrections, please leave a comment. Alright, let's get on with this 20-page bad boy. [caption id="attachment_8874" align="alignnone" width="680"] Best $2 I've ever spent.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8876" align="alignnone" width="680"] I thought the concert doesn't start until 8 pm? Oh, wait...[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8878" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 334: MoFi Distribution, BAT, Primare, Mobile Fidelity, Wharfedale, Isotek, Solidsteel, Jelco, My Sonic Lab, and TAD. These are the Wharfedale Diamond 11.3 floor standers. Crazy value at $1,000/pair.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8886" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 223: MoFi Distribution. Turntable has Mobile Fidelity's new Super Heavyweight record weight. TAD ME-1 Titanium Silver USB Debut ($15,495/pr), Primare CD35 Primsa ($3,500), and Primare I35 Prisma ($5,000). These are still one of my favorite speakers but it sounded a little sharper this time around. This could be due to many things, but I don't think the speakers are at fault.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8883" align="alignnone" width="680"] Primare I35 Prisma integrated amplifier ($5,000) and Primare CD35 Prismmofia transport ($3,500).[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8879" align="alignnone" width="680"] Balanced Audio Technologies VK-P12SE Phonostage[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8893" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room #340: Daedalus, ModWright, VPI, and Wywires. In the Top 1% as far as sound quality at the show. These guys obviously put in the work to make sure the speakers sounded great in this room. One of the very few rooms I revisited at the show.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8901" align="alignnone" width="480"] Stillpoint Apertures creating blackholes everywhere at the show...[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8902" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 346: Music Direct, Shunyata, Stillpoints, Balanced Audio Technologies, Aurender, ATC loudspeakers.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8904" align="alignnone" width="680"] Cambridge Audio EDGE NQ ($4,000) and EDGE W power amp ($3,000) + Red Cup[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8905" align="alignnone" width="680"] B&W 805 D3 Compact Diamond ($6,000/pr)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8906" align="alignnone" width="680"] The Cambridge Audio crew. Thanks for the beers! Awesome guys and one of the reasons why everything sounded great to our ears! ;)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8907" align="alignnone" width="680"] PS Audio P20 Power Plant ($10,000) were in numerous rooms at the show.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8910" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 358: Music Direct. Koetsu, Marantz, Aurender, Shunyata Research, Solidsteel, PS Audio, JBL, and ATC SCM50 PSLT Rosewood Loudspeakers.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8920" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 354: Music Direct. AudioQuest, Aurender, ELAC, iFi Ajudio, Mobile Fidelity Electronics, MoFi Electronics, Outlaw Audio, PS Audio, Rega/Acoustic Energy, Shunyata Research, Solidsteel Racks, Wharfedale.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8926" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 362: Lone Mountain Audio. ATC - CDA Mk2 CD Preamplifier ($4,299) and ATC SCM50SLT (?) Loudspeakers.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8930" align="alignnone" width="680"] Prism Sound CALLIA USB DAC and pre-amp ($2,100)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8909" align="alignnone" width="680"] Unique looking JBL L100 Speakers ($4,000/pr)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8932" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 366: Prism Sound. Aurender, Gik Acoustics, and ATC Loudspeakers.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8938" align="alignnone" width="680"] McIntosh MA252 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier ($3,500)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8939" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 370: VANA LTD. Audio Physic, European Audio Team, Okki Nokki, McIntosh, Saturday Audio Exchange.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8943" align="alignnone" width="680"] PS Audio Sprout ($499) + MarkAudio-SOTA Tozzi One ($445/pr)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8946" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 374: MarkAudio-SOTA. PS Audio.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8953" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 378: Madisound Speaker Components. SB Acoustic, Scan-Speak A/S, SEAS Fabrikker AS.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8951" align="alignnone" width="680"] The Madisound room was inspirational. Looking forward to doing some DIY. That's not my Corona.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8967" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 384: Schiit & Salk. Good sound for a ~$10,000 system.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8963" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 384: Salk Song3-A. Transparent with an improved midrange detail over the original Song3. $3,895/pr.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8965" align="alignnone" width="680"] Schiit Audio Freya preamp ($699), Vidar Monoblocks ($699), Gungnir Multibit? ($1,249)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8966" align="alignnone" width="680"] Salk Streamplayer Gen II - Roon & Tidal support! ($1,495)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8973" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 388: Esoteric. Canton Reference 3 K ($7,800/each)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8977" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 490: Vanatoo. Known for their all-in-one active speakers. Just plug in your optical or USB cable and you're set![/caption] [caption id="attachment_8976" align="alignnone" width="680"] Vanatoo Transparent Zero and One ($319/$449 per pair respectively)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8983" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 496: Bryston. Target Audio Products. Bryston Mini T Bookshelf speakers ($3,700/pr)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8958" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 380: SB Acoustics. Check out their kits[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8985" align="alignnone" width="680"] Bryston 21B3 amplifier. 2 x 300W into 8 ohms. The last '3' of 21B3 is designed to reflect the 'Cubed' branding of this amp, which is ideally used to power your Bryston Active Speaker System. Starts at $17,000 for Mini T.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8990" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 406: J&B Distribution, Amped America, Deluxe Acoustics, LA Audio, Triangle Art, Unison Research.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8991" align="alignnone" width="680"] LA Audio amplifier with Deluxe Acoustics Lamps DAL-350 speakers[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8989" align="alignnone" width="680"] Triangle Art and LA Audio[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8996" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 404: Constellation, MartinLogan, Precision AV, and Continuum Audio Labs. MartinLogan Renaissance ESL 15A loudspeakers ($24,995/pair). Constellation Audio Cygnus media player ($38,000), Pictor preamp ($18,000), Taurus monoblocks ($39,000 for both), and Andromeda phono stage ($18,000). Continuum Audio Labs Obsidian turntable ($35,000) and Viper tonearm ($10,000).[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9007" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 412: AQ - Acoustique Quality, s.r.o., Well Rounded Sound. The two-tone Passion Orca speakers ($5,999) have a unique driver appearance with its gloss lacquer enclosure. High End drivers from prestigious Scandinavian Scan-Speak were carefully selected to achieve an optimum performance. Directly from top of the line Illuminator Woofer a six-inch 8747 with 3D aluminum cone was selected to fulfill mid-bass duties. Cast frame and neodymium magnet ensures extremely linear and long motion of the cone.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9015" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 416: Zesto Audio, Benz Micro, Fono Acustica cables. Marten Django L Black speakers ($10,000/pr) driven by Zesto Audio Eros 300 Monoblocks ($19,000/pr). Merrill-Williams Audio, Ortofon, Stillpoints, Tri-Planar.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9014" align="alignnone" width="680"] Zesto Audio Tessera Phono Stage and Eros Monoblocks[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9019" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 430: MSB Technology. Always been impressed with the resolution, smoothness, and clarity of the Select DAC. Unfortunately, at ~$130,000 with all the options, I'll have to take out a second mortgage. MSB's room always provides world-class sound at these shows, this year's AXPONA was no exception.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9021" align="alignnone" width="680"] A few familiar faces ;) I believe Jason Serinus and Jana Dagdagan were (trying) to record a binaural recording. I would've been your Hodor guys![/caption] [caption id="attachment_9027" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 434: Raidho Acoustics. Chord electronic stack. These Raidho Acoustics D-4.1 speakers ($125,000-$140,000) were a wonderful pairing with the BluDAVE (~$25,000).[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9025" align="alignnone" width="680"] Chord Blu Mk.II M-Scaler and Chord DAVE - The ULTIMATE digital source reference[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9034" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 440: Audio Federation. Acapella Audio Arts Cellini High loudspeakers, La Musika integrated amplifier, Audio Note UK Fifth Element DAC, Audio Note UK CDT-Five transport, HRS rack.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9036" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 442: Magnan Cables, Odyssey, Symphonic Line[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9042" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 446: The Voice That Is, TIDAL Audio, Antipodes, Dynamic Design, Stillpoints, Transfiguration, and TW-Acustic. Great people, great sound.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9047" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 452: High Water Sound, Homing Hybrid, New Audio Frontiers, TW-Acustic, Vibex. TW-Acustics RPS 100 Phono ($18,000). Horning Aristotle Ellipse Loudspeakers ($16,000). Arte Forma Audio Due Volte 805 SE Amps ($7,500). Vibex Granada/Alhambra Power Filter ($5,000). Furutech cables. Shun Mook room treatments.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9054" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 454: High Fidelity Services, Neat Acoustics, Signal Projects, Vibex.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9057" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 458: Verity Audio, AnalogueWorks, High Fidelity Services, Signal Projects, Trilogy Audio Systems, Vibex. Speakers: Verity Audio Otello ($18,695). Amplifier: Trilogy Audio Systems 925 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier ($15,995). Phono Pre: Trilogy Audio Systems 907 Phono Preamp ($3,995). Turntable: TW Acustic GT SE with TW 10.5 Tone arm ($18,000). Cartridge: Ortofon A95 ($6,500). Digital: Melco N1ZH Mk. 2 ($4,995). IC cables: Signal Projects IC and speaker cables. Power cables: Vibex V3 and Granada Dual DC and Alhambra AC Mains Power Filters ($5,000).[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9063" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 462: CH Precision, Haniwa, Thales Turntable and Tonearm, YG Acoustics. YG Carmel 2 speakers: $24,300. I1 Integrated amplifier: starting at $38,000. D1 SACD / CD transport: starting at $38,000. Thalès Reference turntable: $14, 000. Thalès Simplicity II tonearm: $9,000. Haniwa HCTR01 MK2: $8,000. Set of CH Speaker cables: $2,500. Set of Nordost power cables.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9076" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 470: Well Pleased AV, ANTICABLES, Aqua Hifi, Audio Hungary, Gigawatt, Innuos, Kanso Audio Furniture, Rethm Bhaava speakers ($4,499/pr). This room is featuring the new Aqua Hifi La Voce S3 Discrete DAC ($4,700), Innuos Zenith SE server ($7,000), Gigawatt PC-3 EVO SE power conditioner ($6,300), and Audio Hungary QUALITON A50i, Class-A integrated amplifier (2 x 50W, ~$8,000). This combination of gear sounded incredibly smooth, resolving, with the right amount of tonal weight and timbre. One of the best sounding rooms at the show. Shout outs to Mark Sossa of Well Pleased AV.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9086" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 474: Western Electric, Gauder Akustik.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9088" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 478: Emerald Physics, DSpeaker, LSA, Outlaw Audio, WyWires. Prototype LSA-10 Statement ($3,4950/pr) and LSA-20 Signature ($3,495/pr) and Statement ($5,995/pr) monitors.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9092" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 482: Fidelis, Acoustic Signature, Aurender, MSB, Stein Music, Stenheim, VAC. Stenheim Alumine FIVE speakers ($50,000/pr). VAC's new Sigma 170i integrated amplifier ($14,000). Acoustic Signature's new Double X turntable. MSB Analog DAC ($9,950). Aurender N10 ($8,000). Tellurium Statement speaker cables ($13,900/pr). Stein Music H2 Harmonizer ($2,395/set).[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9099" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 486: Vinnie Rossi, Fidelis, Harbeth, Triode Wire Labs, and Acoustic Signature. Vinnie Rossi LIO DHT Preamp ($12,580) and L2 Signature Monoblocks (Shipping June 2018). Triode Wire Labs "Seven Plus" power cords ($549+), American Speaker Cables ($699+/set), and Discrete USB ($299). Check out Triode Wire Labs here. Unfortunately, the Harbeth 40.2 weren't plugged in when we arrived. However, we were amazed to find out the huge sound was coming from the tiny Harbeth P3ESR 40th Anniversary Edition ($2,890/pr, only in Olive Wood)! Sweet, textured sound with convincing timbre and dynamics. I'm very tempted to get a pair. The Harbeth 40.2 40th Anniversary Edition is priced at $17,990/pr and is available in Walnut, Silver Eucalyptus, and Olive Wood. The Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary Edition is priced at $6,890/pr and available in Silver Eucalyptus only.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9109" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 594: Gobel Audio. One of the new products at the show, the Epoque Aeon Fine ($140,000/pr). Incorporates the unique bending wave technology: This bending wave technology is based on the principals of sound creation through musical instruments. It had an unconventional sound for a speaker (in a good way) and provided a very resolving and tactile sound that was very "accurate" sounding. One of my favorite sounds from the show.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9115" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 504: Bel Canto Design, TIDAL speakers.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9112" align="alignnone" width="680"] Bel Canto Black EX integrated[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9123" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 506: Silnote Audio Cables, Allnic, Magnepan. Magnepan 3.7i speakers ($5,995/pair)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9125" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 510: Wyred 4 Sound & Fritz Speakers. W4S MS ($3,499), Recovery USB Reclocker ($199), DAC-2v2se 10th Anniversary ($4,499), STP-SE Preamp ($1,999), ST-750-LE ($1,799). Fritz Carrera BE ($3,500/pr).[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9126" align="alignnone" width="680"] These Fritz LS 7 ILLUMINATOR are quite the sexy ($3,800/pr)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9132" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 514: Clarus Cable[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9136" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 518: Parts Express[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9135" align="alignnone" width="680"] Dayton Audio Epqieu CBT24K Line Array Speaker kit ($995/pair). Interesting piece. Based upon declassified U.S. Navy underwater sound research, the legendary Don B. Keele Jr., in conjunction with Dayton Audio developed the Epique CBT24 floor-standing curved line array. The CBT24 provides sonic accuracy and sound field coverage control surpassing even the finest high-end loudspeakers.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9142" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 528: Burwell & Sons, Rogers High Fidelity. Rogers EHF-200 + EHF-200 MK2 integrated, PA-1A Photo preamp, Burwell & Sons speakers ($80,000/pair)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9144" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 532: High Fidelity Cables. It's Rick Sch...what the heck is that a Tesla coil??[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9154" align="alignnone" width="680"] High Fidelity Cables shipped in this wonderful mini-bar. The rest was a blur.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9148" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 534: High Fidelity Cables. Over a half a million dollars of gear in this rig...High Fidelity Cables Pro Elite Power cables (starts at $100,000), Pro Elite Power Conditioner ($80,000), Four Pro Series Power Cords ($21,000 each), Magnetically Modified Transport and DAC from Esoteric (one off), Pro Series RCA interconnects ($18,900), Luminance Audio MA-70 amplifiers ($80-90,000 depending on finish), Pro Series speaker cables ($39,400), BaffleX Speakers ($80-95,000). Wonderfully dynamic and precise, esepcially in its spatial articulation. This is the best their system has ever sounded.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9147" align="alignnone" width="680"] Everyone room should have one of these indicators. Thanks for the shirts HFC![/caption] [caption id="attachment_9157" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 540: Rainbow-Audio, Angstrom Audio Lab, Marco Serri Design, Ariamateria. Wins Most Artsy speaker of the show :)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9165" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 542: Bandwidth Audio with Tannoy Turnberry SE loudspeakers (~$7,000/pair). Bandwidth Audio Kaskode One Photo preamp ($5,550), Aurora One Line Preamp ($5,500), 288 Mono Power amp ($10,000/pr), 22A3 Mono Power Amp ($11,000/pr).[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9170" align="alignnone" width="680"] Some product made by Van Den Hul placed on top of the speakers. Not exactly sure what it does but probably something similar to this.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9173" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 546: Convergent Audio Technology, A.J. van de Hul BV, Accustic Arts, Essential Sound Products, Finest Fidelity, Galen Carol Audio, MusicCord, The Essence, Vermeer, VPI.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9177" align="alignnone" width="680"] RIP OPPO[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9175" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 552: Bionic Cables, Aerial Acoustics, Aesthetix, Kuzman.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9176" align="alignnone" width="680"] New product in the Bionic Cables room. The Aesthetix Mimas ($7,000). Hybrid, zero feedback, fully differential integrated amplifier. Features fully discrete switched resistor volume control based on award-winning Calypso preamplifier.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9181" align="alignnone" width="680"] SOtM's new network switch includes fiber ports...this should be interesting.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9190" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 554: SOtM. It's pronounced "Som" folks, not "So-tum." ;) Lee and May demonstrated their new sCLK-OCX10 master clock and it sounded much better than what I heard at RMAF 2017. During the A/B, it sounded pretty lifeless and flat without the master clock connected. Dramatic to say the least. I'll be getting one in for review very soon.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9191" align="alignnone" width="680"] SOtM's new switch clocked by the sCLK-OCX10[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9197" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 558: The Sound Organization, Kii Audio, Rega/Acoustic Energy. Where is the optimal place to place a speaker in a room? In the walls. That way you don't have to deal reflections with the sides and rears. With the help of DSP, Kii Audio hopes to mitigate those issues. They claim these speakers will sound the same in every room. The Kii Three loudspeakers are undoubtedly the most talked about active speakers in the market today. They could be explosive, quiet, expansive, and are always transparent. There's an ease and accuracy these speakers project into the room. Learn more here.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9207" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 562: The Sound Organization, Kii Audio, Rega/Acoustic Energy.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9214" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 566: Holm Audio, DALI, NAD Electronics, Nordost Cables.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9221" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 570: Holm Audio, Newvelle Records, Rogue Audio, Straight Wire, Tannoy, and VPI.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9226" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 574: Holm Audio, PSB Speakers, Sony.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9235" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 578: Creative Sound Solutions. Beautiful speakers and awesome kits. You'll start to understand why most of the cost is in the cabinet. They could either be purchased finished or you could build your own at a fraction of the cost. Check them out![/caption] [caption id="attachment_9245" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 580: Luxman, Melco, Soulines, TRIANGLE Speakers.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9253" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 582: Luxman, TRIANGLE Speakers, Soulines, Melco. These Magellan Grand Concert speakers ($70,000) not only look majestic, but have a captivating sound as well.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9259" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 586: Haniwa, Kubotek Corporation. Straight out of Irvine, CA, Haniwa HSP01 speakers. The driver is mounted deep in the center of a specially designed speaker shape to provide a clear and precise sound focal point. When played with the matching system amplifier, it delivers a virtual “point source” of sound accurately reproducing the 3D spatial information of the original performance, while perfectly reproducing the frequencies and timing of the original performance.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9268" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 696: Fern & Roby, AudioQuest, Linear Tube Audio, Spatial Audio, PS Audio. The Spatial Audio X2 speakers ($9,600) and Linear Tube Audio ZOTL40 MKII power amp ($6,400) were a fantastic pairing.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9275" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 688: Volti Audio, BorderPatrol, Triode Wire Labs. The 6-ohm Volti Audio Rival ($7,900/pr). A 3-way, horn-loaded speaker with a sensitivity of 100 dB. Learn more about these speakers here. As far as cables: Triode Wire labs "The Obsession" power cord ($1,399) on the PI Audio Group UberBUSS power conditioner, Digital American digital power cords ($699 each) on the BorderPatrol DAC & CD transport, High Power Digital American power cord ($699 each) on the BorderPatrol amp power supplies, American Speaker Cables ($699/set), Spirit RCA ICs ($349/pr), Spirt 75 75-ohm SPDIF digital cable ($299), and Split Power and Data USB cable ($329). BorderPatrol Audio Electronics P21EXD power amp ($16,000), P20EXD/EXS power amp ($32,650), DAC SE ($1,495, $1,850 for SE).[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9287" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 682: Orinda Acoustics. High efficiency (min 93dB/watt), horn-loaded, bass reflex design. Very revealing, quiet, and airy sound. Sunny Lo also makes his own power conditioners. Learn more about their history here.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9290" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 678: Technics. Direct Drive Turntable System SL-1200GR ($1,699).[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9297" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 674: Innuos, Audio Research, YG, Aqua - Acoustic Quality. Being a proud owner of #70/100 of the ZENith Mk.2 SE line of music servers, I was curious what the new Innuos ZENith Statement server brings to the table. Luckily (for ears, not wallet), Innuos had an SE in for direct comparisons. The Statement has 8 (!!) independent power rails for each component in the server and incorporated OCXO clocks at the USB. The results were stunning and the two sounded like completely different servers. In comparison, the SE sounded dimensionless, fuzzy, and less refined/detailed. The Statement is MUCH quieter with much better realism in its contouring of voices and instruments. The fact that the SE is the best sounding server I've heard so far, this says a lot. Innuos were a bit obsessive with the Statement...and it paid off. Pricing TBD but will be around double that of the SE.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9294" align="alignnone" width="680"] The new Innuos ZENith Statement music server (Price TBD)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9293" align="alignnone" width="680"] Rear of the Innuos ZENith Statement[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9304" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 670: MarinLogan, Aurender, and Benchmark. MartinLogan Impression ESL 11A ($9,995/pr). DAC3 HGC reference stereo preamplifier/digital-to-analog converter. 2 x Benchmark AHB2 reference power amplifiers in a 385wpc monoblock configuration. Crystal clear sound with huge soundstage.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9303" align="alignnone" width="680"] Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier ($2,995) in bridged-mono mode driving a pair of MartinLogan Impression ESL 11A speakers.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9313" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 666: Prana Distribution LLC, Artisan Fidelity, Boenicke, Grandinote, Supreme Analog, VERASTARR.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9315" align="alignnone" width="680"] The Artisan Fidelity Garrard 301 Statement in Maccassar Ebony ($16,895-$17,895). Supreme Analog Tangenta Tonearm ($9,000).[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9317" align="alignnone" width="480"] Room 662: Bob Carver. Amazing Line Source ($18,500). Aptly named as it sounded amazing without any room treatments. Read more about the ALS here.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9323" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 658: Gold Note & Toska Audio. Gold Note XT-7 speakers (~$16,700). Everything in this room is from the high-end Italian company. Check out their products here.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9329" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 654: Daedalus Audio, Lampizator, Linear Tube Audio, Skogrand Cables. This Lampizator Pacific DAC ($29,995) with its 300B/5U4G/6H6P tubes is beautifully shiny and sounds phenomenal. This config also includes: Lampizator SuperKomputer ($8,500), LTA MicroZOTL preamp ($3,850), Ultralinear ZOTL power amp ($6,800), and Skogrand cables Vivaldi Series ($750/2m). Daedalus Apollo 11 speakers ($22,800) with Daedalus DiD-SPK and DiD isolation devices. The combination of these fantastic products simply forms a tonal gestalt of euphoria and bliss. A perfect balance of clarity, detail, warmth, and texture. Just a very organic and inviting sound that keeps you in your seat. One of the few standouts at the show.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9336" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 652: The Sound Environment, Aurender, and Naim.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9347" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 646: Source Systems Ltd., Lumin Music Systems, M2Tech of Italy, Lindermann Audio GmbH, fidata by I-O DATA DEVICE, Espirit-Audio of France. Harbeth 30.1 loudspeakers (starts at $5,695). Wonderfully smooth and rich sounds out of this system.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9341" align="alignnone" width="680"] Used in one of our reference systems, the Lumin S1 ($9,800) is a very emotive piece of gear.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9343" align="alignnone" width="680"] Lindemann musicbook digital and amplifier - More info.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9353" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 642: HSU Research. I reviewed Dr. Hsu's CCB-8 Bookshelf speakers a little while back and his demo only reaffirmed how great they sound. Quite a few of the attendees' jaws dropped when they found out the price was only $699/pair.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9356" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 640: Aurender, GamuT, and Berkeley Audio Design.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9362" align="alignnone" width="680"] Aurender battery powered True Wireless Lossless speaker system: S5W ($3,000). Up to 50 hours of battery life. [/caption] [caption id="attachment_9369" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 630: Stereo Haven, Leben, Falcon Loudspeakers, Line Magnetic, Well Tempered Lab. This configuration with the Falcon LS3/5a 15-ohm BBC Licensed speakers ($2,195/pr) driven by the Line Magnetic LM508 Integrated amplifier (SET 805) ($4,995) was one of my top picks from the show, regardless of price. Voices sound so natural and properly textured while still being able to layer the musical complexities effortlessly. I hope to hear these again very soon.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9371" align="alignnone" width="680"] Line Magnetic LM-508 Integrated Tube Amplifier - 2X45W ($4,995)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9378" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 626: SweetVinyl. Janszen electrostatic Carmelita speakers ($4,495)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9387" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 622: Audio by Van Alstine, Alta Audio, ANTICABLES. Alta Audio Io speakers ($3,500). One word "Musical."[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9390" align="alignnone" width="680"] Wait, is that the...AUDIOPHILIAC?? Wasn't shy, just wasn't sure.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9393" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 618: Sonner Audio, Luxman, Abbindon Music Research. Speakers: Sonner Audio's Legato Duo speakers ($8,500). DAC: Abbingdon Music Research DP-777 SE ($5,000). Amplifier: Luxman L-509X Integrated (2x120W) ($9,495). Digital cable: iFi 3.0 USB Mercy USB Power 3.0 USB Gemini - iPurifier. Power cable: Kimber Palladian PK10, Nordost Vahalla, Tyr2, Kimber PK10. Interconnect: Nordost Tyr 2. Speaker Cable: Nordost Heimdall 2. Total system: $22,995.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9395" align="alignnone" width="680"] Sonner Audio speaker line...[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9400" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 614: Triangle Art and Egglestonworks. Triangle Art Master Reference turntable ($28,000) & Egglestonworks Viginti loudspeakers ($39,900/pair). That glamorous turntable makes it one of the most ostentatious setups at the show.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9411" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 610: Angel City Audio, Triode Wire Labs (7 power cords), TEO Audio, Triangle Art. Those ACA Seraphim Prime loudspeakers ($25,000/pair) are beautiful.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9414" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 606: Fern & Roby, Linear Tube Audio, Black Cat Cable.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9421" align="alignnone" width="680"] LTA MicroZOTL Preamplifier availabe for presale ($3,850).[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9428" align="alignnone" width="680"] Room 604: Studio Electric and ModWright Instruments[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9434" align="alignnone" width="680"] An exclusive listening session with The Linear Solution's Adrian Wun. He's cooking up something real nice...[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9433" align="alignnone" width="680"] These headphones take 1.5 years to break in...seriously.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9069" align="alignnone" width="680"] Aqua La Voce S3 Discrete DAC - Visit Well Pleased AV for more info.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9061" align="alignnone" width="680"] Fantastic recordings. A reference album for male and female vocals.[/caption]

AXPONA 2018 Show Report – Day 2

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