AXPONA 2025 – Show Report & Awards

Editors Choice

Fidelis Distribution – Room 484

There’s always something so special about the Falcon sound. Fidelis Distribution’s AXPONA room showcased a refined blend of British and European Hi-Fi, featuring Falcon Acoustics’ M30 loudspeakers paired with Lab 12’s brand-new Integre 4 MKII integrated amp, DAC-1, and Melto 2 phono stage. Analog playback came courtesy of the Pure Fidelity Symphony turntable, while digital duties were handled by an Aurender server/streamer. The setup delivered a warm, articulate sound that balanced classic BBC-inspired tonality with modern tube-driven richness.

Rogue Audio – Room 388

Amazingly rich and dynamic sound from this room. Rogue Audio debuted the new RP-3 balanced tube preamplifier ($3,495), a feature-rich evolution of their RP-X platform, offering flexible connectivity, home theater bypass, and sleek black or silver finishes. Paired with their flagship Stereo 100 Dark amplifier ($4,995) and Magnepan 1.7x speakers, the system delivered dynamic bass, a natural midrange, and refined detail. Components included Darwin cables, a Benchmark DAC3 B, and streamers from Aurender and Eversolo.

Bel Canto – Room 464

I’m really loving these minimal setups at the show. Bel Canto Design showcased their U.S.-made Class D electronics driving a second pair of really green $68,000 YG Acoustics Hailey 3 floorstanders in an intimate room setup. The system delivered a rich, full-bodied sound with inviting warmth and openness. Partnered with gear from Cardas Audio, Harmonic Resolution Systems, and Pure Fidelity, I found the presentation to be fun and musically engaging.

Stereo Haven – Room 624

Another seemingly unassuming room. Stereo Haven’s appointment-only home shop brought a soulful, analog-rich setup built around the Well Tempered Lab Amadeus 254 GT turntable ($8,750) with a Dynavector DRT XV-1t cartridge ($9,750). Backed by a Jadis JP80 preamp, Sugden Sapphire FBA-800 power amp, and J.M. Reynaud Abscisse Jubilee speakers ($9,000/pr), the system delivered warmth, flow, and grip. With deep musicality and a relaxed yet punchy presentation. This system had plenty of texture, groove, and romantic charm.

AGD Productions – Room 724

AGD Productions once again showcased one of the most visually striking setups at the show. Their Duet GaN-Power monoblocks—built around Gallium Nitride GaNTube tech and refined with copper internals—were paired with Rosso Fiorentino loudspeakers, handcrafted in Florence under Francesco Rubenni’s guidance. The system struck an immediate visual and sonic harmony, blending high design with focused engineering.

Sonically, the presentation leaned warm—balancing body and clarity in a way that preserved both tonal richness and inner detail. Micro-dynamics were rendered with finesse, allowing subtle shifts in phrasing and intensity to emerge naturally. Transients flowed smoothly, with no edge or grain, while textures maintained a gentle liquidity that felt cohesive from top to bottom.

This was one of those rooms where everything just clicked. The sound had presence without aggression, refinement without sterility, and warmth without clouding the acoustic image. I would be interested to get these monoblocks in for review.

Master Artist Audio – Room 1114

Tonally, this room was exactly my kind of listening—warm, expressive, and musically engaging without veering too far into softness.

Master Artist Audio, the custom speaker line from Audio Video Artistry, presented their Signature Towers driven by a full suite of reference-level gear. At the front end: the Accuphase C2900 preamp ($25,975) and A80 amplifier ($26,575), paired with a Burmester 151 streamer ($27,575) and 217 turntable ($25,000). Power conditioning came via the Accuphase PS1250 ($17,575), with everything resting on a Solid Tech Rack of Silence and connected by Kimber Cable throughout.

Despite the lofty price tags, the system’s delivery felt grounded—balancing technical precision with an organic richness that invited long listening. There was a quiet confidence in the way this system presented music, where every component worked in harmony to serve the sound, not show off. Gorgeous, gorgeous music.

Vinyl Sound USA – Room 1102

I really enjoyed this straightforward setup—ideal for smaller rooms yet capable of delivering a warm, enveloping sound that filled the space effortlessly. This system reflected Vinyl Sound USA’s founder Daniel Kuburovski’s passion for vinyl and no-nonsense high fidelity. Since 2018, Daniel’s shop in Buffalo has become a trusted destination for music lovers, offering gear from brands like Harbeth, Tannoy, Accuphase, and DeVore Fidelity. You know what they all have in common? Warmth.

For the size of these loudspeakers, you get quite a bit of power and heft. I was just taken aback at how great it sounded – especially for the price, without being too complicated.

In this room: Wharfedale’s Elysian 4 speakers ($10,995) were paired with the striking Hifi Rose RA180 integrated amp ($6,995) and RS1515 streamer ($4,995), along with the MoFi MasterDeck turntable and UltraGold MC cartridge ($6,995). Power was cleaned up by the ISOTEK V5 Aquarius ($2,995) and everything rested on the handsome HIFI Rack HF-5 ($4,499).

Rhythm Distribution – Room 1229

Rhythm Distribution featured a no-expense-spared system built around Engström’s flagship electronics and Marten’s Parker Trio Diamond loudspeakers ($40,000/pair). Making their debut were the Engström Eric Encore monoblocks ($180,000/pair), driven by the Monica Mk3 preamplifier ($70,000) and M-Phono Mk2 phono stage ($35,000). Analog duties were handled by the Garrard 301 Classic turntable with SME M2 tonearm ($37,900), while digital came courtesy of the Luxman NT-07 streamer and DA-07X DAC (both $7,495).

Cabling throughout was Jorma Origo, including speaker cables ($6,695), XLR interconnects ($3,892.50–$5,685), phono cables ($2,595), and multiple power cords ($2,095–$2,988 each), plus the Reference Ethernet cable ($1,590) and S/PDIF digital cable ($893). Power conditioning came via an AudioQuest Niagara 5000 ($5,900), and networking was handled by the Silent Angel Bonn NX switch ($3,999). A Goldenberg Brilliant MC cartridge ($4,250) rounded out the analog front end.

The sound had undeniable gravitas—punchy and dynamic with lifelike energy, taut low-end weight, and precise vocal layering. Cymbals shimmered with realistic texture, and the highs carried air without edge. Altogether, this $395,530 system…might be worth it for those with deep pockets.

Audio Mirror – Room 688

Unlike some of the warmer rooms I gravitated toward, this one offered a different kind of appeal. While Cube Audio’s tonal balance isn’t quite aligned with my personal tastes, I’ve always respected their ability to deliver a technically refined sound—and this room was no exception. It was clear, composed, and unapologetically precise.

Paired with Audio Mirror’s tube gear, the system leaned towards resolution —fast, focused, and clean. Imaging was tight, with transients rendered sharply and no smearing in sight. Midrange came across as even-handed and insightful, revealing fine details without embellishment.

Bass was quick and defined, while treble had a crystalline clarity that brought out spatial cues without sounding harsh. In fact it was surprising smooth and full sounding given that it did lean cooler…which was interesting. But yes, the overall balance prioritized energy and control over romance and warmth. For those who seek transparency and grip – and a system that just sounds alive…this setup was probably the best I heard at the show. The way it just digs up the details is just…in another league.