AXPONA 2025 – Show Report & Awards

Best in Class

Morel BIGGIE

Big sound in a small package! I think I need to bring one of these to the pickleball courts one day. I love how you could pair these up in stereo. Not bad for $299 each.

The Morel Biggie is a compact wireless speaker that combines minimalist design with impressive audio performance. Measuring just 7 inches square and weighing 5.7 pounds, it features a 4-inch woofer and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter, powered by a 60-watt Class D amplifier (45W for the woofer and 15W for the tweeter). It supports both Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing seamless streaming and multi-room use via Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect. The Biggie also offers analog and USB-C inputs, making it a versatile all-in-one solution for high-quality audio in a stylish, compact form.

https://www.morelhifi.com/en/products/wireless/biggie-391?landing=-100

Playback Distributions – TEAC, Vienna Acoustics

I found this room to be damn good sound for the money. The TEAC AP-507 stereo power amplifier ($2,199) made its first U.S. appearance, offering a compact design based on Hypex NCOREx modules, tuned in-house. It pushes 170 watts per channel into 4 ohms, or 350 watts into 8 ohms when bridged, giving users a few configuration options.

Build details include a 2.8mm aluminum top plate and a three-point isolation foot system aimed at reducing vibrations. Internally, the fully balanced layout and dual-mono buffer amp helped deliver a sound that leaned clean and dynamically composed.

It was paired with the Vienna Acoustics Mozart Signature SE floorstanders ($7,495/pair), finished in Cherry and using their XPP midrange cones. The overall sound leaned warm and well-integrated—smooth without feeling too rounded off. Solid performance at a reasonable price.

Western HiFi – Consonance Compact Monitors

I love how simple yet impressive this setup was. The Consonance Compact Monitor ($1,460/pair) offered a relaxed, musically satisfying presentation that stood out for its warmth and fullness. Despite the small footprint, the sound had a rich midrange and smooth treble that made it sound so effortless. It may not chase after micro-detail, but for listeners who prioritize tone and emotional connection, it’s a compelling option—especially at this price.