Reporting by Eric Franklin Shook

This wraps our AAL ’23 coverage with each day of reporting linked below for quick access.

• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | PREVIEW
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY ONE
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY TWO
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY THREE
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | BEST OF SHOW

Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | BEST OF SHOW

Best Small Speaker

The new Rialto is self-amplified-loudspeaker from Cabasse launched earlier this year at AXPONA ’23, and was a hit with audiophile critics and hobbyists who were open-minded enough to overlook its diminutive proportions and price tag.

The Rialto is a self-powered three-way design loudspeaker that inhabits the “all-in-one total system solution” moniker better than anyone. The Rialto features music streaming and digital-to-analog conversion built-in. Touch control and app-based remote are just a few of the standard features, which cleverly includes Cabasse’s own cloud-based room correction software, along with unbelievable amplifier power specs (1,050 watts per speaker) and truly jaw dropping bass (down to 30Hz) to back them up—and not bass just for its diminutive size either.

Cabasse’s tri-coaxial speaker driver design technology ensures that highs (3oo watts), mids (3oo watts), and lows (450 watts) emanate from a single point-source, meaning that sound is intact as a waveform and (more) accurate sounding when it reaches your ear. Price at launch is just a few bucks under $4k USD. Count me in!

www.cabasse.com

Best Audiophile Oasis

Attendees, press, and even passersby were taken by surprise when they found themselves in the Sheraton hotel lobby confronting both the scale of sight and sound produced by the FOCAL Grande Utopia EM Evo ($280k pair USD) floor-standing loudspeakers, each gorgeously adorned in a stunning Carrara White multi-layer gloss finish. It’s been said, the people aren’t ready.

The Grande Utopia EM Evo are part of the Utopia III series where all of FOCAL’s latest and best technologies are first released to the world. Including the aforementioned Grande Utopia EM Evo’s latest innovations: the NIC (Neutral Inductance Circuit) and the TMD suspension. New to the ‘EM Evo are more improvements in midrange distortion and cabinet resonance control. Too many areas of total improvement and refinement to list here, but they’re there, and they’re apparent in the listening.

Nestled between the towering behemoths of musical slam, a sleek and modern stack-o-rack of NAIM 300 Series separates starting with the NSS 333 ($11k USD): a high-resolution streaming solution that can handle the highest-quality file formats for UPnP devices and streaming services. The NSS 333’s integrated DAC also improves the performance of other devices in the system, with a universal control across the entire Naim range, all from the Focal-Naim app.

From there, the NAC 332 ($11k USD) becomes the “analogue centre” of the system, delivering the low level signal to your amplifier and loudspeakers. It’s billed as Naim’s most versatile preamplifier to date, allowing you to connect headphones as well as the NVC TT ($3,700 USD) phono preamplifier—also on active display in the system, at the left flank—for vinyl playback of the most exposing nature. Think deep-groove-diving. Diving into those grooves, a Thorens TD 1601 turntable. Taking its marching orders from the NAC 332 preamp and NVC TT phono preamp, a pair of NAP 350 ($8,500 USD) monoblock amplifiers to meet the power needs of the Grande Utopia EM Evo loudspeakers.

www.focal.com
www.naimaudio.com
www.thorens.com

Most Surprising

The MartinLogan Neolith ESL ($120k pair USD) were launched some time ago. Possibly over a decade if I’m going strictly on memory alone. They’ve likely seen several refinements in both shadow and light. They’ve also endured.

What’s different about this year’s Audio Advice LIVE experience as it concerns the Neolith and the accompanying electronics, is that this experience was wholistically, from tip-to-toe, filled like an eclair, with unconstrained dynamics and clear presence of sound. Chord Electronics do more than a lot of things right, and what hasn’t been said about large Burmester amplifiers that also hasn’t been said about Jesus. And as far as AudioQuest goes, they do no harm—which itself is a noteworthy and challenging pursuit if one is to partake in high-fidelity transmission of low-level and high-current signals.

Applause and praise is mandatory across the board here. This is what we call “chance synergy.” No one expected it, and we’ve now heard something completely new and different from the beautiful and ever so enduring MartinLogan Neolith ESL loudspeakers. Bravo! 

www.martinlogan.com
www.chordelectronics.co.uk
www.burmester.de
www.audioquest.com

Best High-End Value

The goal of the two new 800 Series Signature models, was to meticulously evolve the 800 Series technology, carefully refine the craft of the design, and offer unique finishes that reflect this pinnacle of sonic performance. The 800 Series Signature models build on the foundations of their most advanced range of loudspeakers.

For instance, in the larger 801 D4 Signature ($50k pair USD): the tweeter housing has been opened up for even less smearing and interference in what was already a class-leading design in terms of abating both smearing and interference. More mounting points on the midrange and woofers for better damping and cabinet decoupling. A newly refined motor-structure for both midrange and woofer. More aluminum structures everywhere! Under the Connolly English leather adorned top plate—you guessed it—more damping. And yet! More aluminum underneath as well in the form of a newly redesigned all-aluminum low turbulence bass-flow-port. Which itself adds to the mass and stiffness of the cabinet structure. Hold your applause till the end please. And now… drumroll… a refined crossover design. Sheesh! 

Powering the whole affair, a more than capable stack Classé of electronics.

Okay, so there really is a lot going on with the two new Signature Series models. So much so, I’m surprised that the price difference over the standard models is not as reflective of the work put into the upgrades. Furthermore, these upgrades are easily discernible—even in an audio show setting.

www.bowerswilkins.com
www.classeaudio.com

Most Overachieving

Let’s talk about what is in this system: a Clearaudio Concept AIR ($2,800 USD) turntable outfitted with the Hana Umami Blue ($2,500 USD) cartridge from Japan, handing off to a Musical Surroundings Nova III ($1,500 USD) phonostage, on to a Boulder 866 ($15,500) integrated amplifier, and then finally through the Wilson Audio Sabrina X ($20,700 pair USD) loudspeakers. Support in the form of audio-rack, comes from the HRS EXR-1921-4V ($7,800 USD) audio stand system.

Both the Hana Umami Blue and Clearaudio Concept AIR are being shown for the first time here at Audio Advice LIVE 2023, despite both being available to the market as recently as earlier this year for the Umami Blue cartridge, and last year for the Concept AIR turntable.

If you noticed something about the list of components and prices in the first paragraph of this section, there’s a bit of a strange distribution method in terms of price at the front end as it concerns the back end. For instance the audio rack the turntable is sitting on is more costly than all of the analog components it’s holding. The integrated amplifier itself is twice the cost of the audio rack. The speakers are twice the cost of the integrated amplifier.

Generally when something like this happens, bottlenecks are created. However, in this creatively assembled exhibit system, the more affordable products (namely the analog chain) not only didn’t do themselves wrong here with the associated high-end and pricier gear, they rather built-up a balanced sound that was outright impressive regardless of the price imbalance. Boulder sounded like Boulder, and Wilson Audio sounded like Wilson Audio. This is a testament to the tangible strengths of Musical Surroundings’ stable of ‘dreamware’ products.

www.musicalsurroundings.com
www.wilsonaudio.com
www.boulderamp.com

Most Refreshing

I’ve been gathering several data-points on Diptyque loudspeakers throughout their recent introduction into the US market via new dealers and the audio show circuit. I’ve not reviewed a pair, nor have I experienced them in a dealer setting. That leaves only the audio shows, which are an assemblage of hotel rooms turned “listening rooms” in the span of twenty-four hours or less. Hence the gathering of several data-points. Or in this case, waiting for that one experience that brings it all together.

This is it! The list of the electronics and sources are well known entities that respect I for their undoubted audiophile sound and build quality. And I’ve experienced most of them before. What’s happening here is the Diptyque DP107 ($8k pair USD) panel speakers have been given the proper room to breathe. The first rule of ‘audiophile-club’ is: loudspeakers play the room.

And in the case of most panel speakers, they need a proper room to develop a proper sound. The Diptyque DP107 delivers a sound that is romantically lush and rich, with a level of dynamic efficiency seldom seen in panel loudspeakers. Which is a welcomed departure from what some brands in the panel speaker game at this price point have painfully thrust upon the marketspace for several ongoing decades. You know who I’m talking about.

As for the Audia Flight Three S ($4k USD) integrated amplifier that’s pushing these Diptyque speakers. It’s entirely made in Italy, and represents twenty-five years of knowledge and research that’s been distilled into the Three S series of electronics it comes from. Optional DAC and phono cards are available. Otherwise, it’s all analog connections. Personally, I hold Audia Flight the brand name in high regard, as I’ve never experienced a product of theirs that cut corners or didn’t deliver in affordable measure the same family sound that graces their most esoterically designed products.

Also in the system, and at the helm, the iconic Michell Audio Tecnodec ($2,700 USD) turntable with T3 Tonearm included. A beautiful Goldring E3 cartridge ($189 USD), feeding a Gold Note PH-5 ($999 USD) phonostage, and a Gold Note DS-10 Evo Streamer/DAC along for the ride. Rack by Neo Audio ($4k USD), audio cables by QED, power cables by TITAN Audio.

www.fidelityimports.com

Most Wanted

I came to this room to hear the new McIntosh MCD12000 2-Channel SACD/CD Player, which under the surface is a reference level DAC that includes a reference level CD Player. Like a lot of McIntosh Labs products do these days, it also features McIntosh’s Hybrid Drive technology that utilizes vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance. Balanced and unbalanced analog outputs in both solid state and vacuum tube configurations. It uses two 32-bit/8-channel professional grade DAC chipsets, and accommodates a total of seven digital inputs.

Let me tell ya, this new SACD/CD player is no slouch. In solid-state mode music is clean and just a bit dry, but still a fantastic measuring digital rendering machine. Activate the tube section—on the fly, I might add—and all things get subjectively better. More tonal bloom, slightly more scale via instrument decay, and a slight perception change in that things appear to get either louder by a skosh -or- that now through the magic of tubes you’ve become better acquainted with the recording studio. It’s definitely the latter case, as I’ve been assured that the gain from both the solid-state and tube circuits measures the same, and I trust that.

What I didn’t trust was how much I was going to immediately love the newly reborn McIntosh ML1 mkII loudspeakers. Reborn because the new ML1 is based on off the first McIntosh speaker, which was launched in 1970, and to this day is one of the last remaining monkey coffins of that era to still fetch a hefty sum on the used market. The new model doesn’t depart from the old, still made completely in America—not in Italy as some might assume—and does almost everything to stay true to the original design and sound, but with better build components.

The ML1 is a 4-way speaker with five separate drivers in a sealed enclosure, handles up to 600 Watts, goes deep in the bass with a 12″ woofer equipped with LD/HP technology, is topped with a complex tweeter/midrange array that assures an expansive sound stage so that listeners can enjoy beautiful music regardless of seating (or standing) position. Though, I am a bit partial to the sweet spot if available. The cabinet is NOT a veneered MDF, instead it’s built entirely from American Walnut with a rich satin finish, and includes matching speaker stands. Believe me, these speakers are special.

Editor’s Note: Here’s where I take you a bit behind the curtain. McIntosh Labs is in the consumer electronics business, not so much the speaker business—though they’ve made and sold speaker systems for years. McIntosh has a thriving network of dealers who proudly carry McIntosh electronics without any worry coming from dedicated speaker manufacturers over McIntosh “the electronics company” also making and selling speakers to those same dealers. That ‘absence of worry’ era however might be coming to an end, or at least slowing with the addition of the new ML1 to the McIntosh stable of loudspeakers. The new ML1 loudspeaker really competes, is right on trend, and is likely to become one of the famed electronics company’s best selling speakers ever. But that’s just my prediction.

www.mcintoshlabs.com

The Overall Best of Show

When the new Sonus faber Stradivari were announced earlier this year via press release, and unveiled at the Munich High-End show, the look of the speaker was such a departure from what I know of Sonus faber designs, that it took me all of a week to warm up to it’s looks from the initial photography that was distributed to the press.

However, by the time I was done writing my AAL ’23 show preview article a few weeks ago, I was salivating to see them in the flesh, and lay an ear or two on the them.

Driving the new Stradivari, a familiar Michi preamp, and the unfamiliar Michi monoblock amplifiers—which to my ears are the real diamond of the Michi lineup. Upstream, it was a disc spinner from Rotel, or my favourite, the analog chain supplied by Pro-Ject and Sumiko.

The Stradivari in its immaculately glossy Wenge finishing, had me ready to weep. The only thing this loudspeaker had to do was sound good. It didn’t sound good—it sounded greater-than-great. Sounding to us like possibly being one of the high-end highlights of the year regardless of the fact that the reported street price is just $50k/pair USD—much less than our usual price bracket for high-water-mark experiences.

A consensus formed within our four-man-team that this Sonus faber Stradivari lead system was indeed our favourite, most complete, and most sexy of the show. It earns the crown for being our absolute best-of-show winner.

www.mcintoshgroup.com

The Best High-End Home Theater

One of the most crowded and repeat-visit-heavy demonstrations of the Audio Advice LIVE weekend was the one put together by Barco projection, Lumagen processing, a Kaleidescape server, Seymour-Screen Excellence screen, Storm Audio amplification, FOCAL speakers, and RowOne seating.

The FOCAL speakers were positioned into a generously outfitted 9.4.4 home theater configuration, featuring mains and surrounds from the FOCAL KANTA series of high-end loudspeakers—and more specifically in the make-or-break position—the FOCAL Viva Utopia Colour Evo three-way center-channel loudspeaker, from the flagship Utopia III Evo range. If there’s one thing my grandmother taught me one thing to remember about high-end home theater it’s “centers and screens”, which is her way of saying they matter most.

Speaking of screens, the 173-inch Seymour Ambient-Visionaire Black 0.9 cinemascope screen mated perfectly to the 5K output of the Barco Cinemascope projector. Cinemascope, if you’re wondering, is an over-delivering 5120×2160 pixels, whereas the experience of 4K is less than the promised “4K” at just 3840×2160 pixels. Bummer right?

Undoubtedly the best all-around performing high-end home theater experience of the weekend. The image and sonics were astounding.

www.audioadvice.com/home-theater-design

The Audio Advice LIVE 2023 Staff and Show Sponsors

It must be echoed again and again. The Audio Advice LIVE show is one of the premier and premium experiences of the industries they serve. The overall attention to detail and organization is second to none. This was something I personally expected as a long-time Audio Advice customer, who has first hand experience with their retail sensibilities. They’ve chosen the right partners and methods, time and time again, to produce a consistency of spirit among the sales and event staff.

The only changes I expect to see from Audio Advice and the Audio Advice LIVE show going forward is growth. Which at the granular level means more participation from brands not sold by the 40+ year high-end retailer. Audio Advice LIVE currently holds the reins as the most polished audio show experience on the east coast. Well, east coast for now that is. It is entirely possible that the Audio Advice LIVE show will find multiple locations to host the event up and down the east coast, and even westward across the country. Time will only tell if that hope is to become a reality. What it comes down to is industry support, which leads me to Qobuz.

Qobuz Hi-Res Streaming

Our favourite high-resolution streaming platform and soon yours—Qobuz (website)—should be recognized as a founding sponsor of the Audio Advice LIVE show, with a sponsor relationship that began well before the inaugural AAL event back in August of 2022. Qobuz has remained a sustaining force for Audio Advice LIVE—and other high-end-home-audio-shows around the globe. It’s time that we give proper recognition to the work and support that Qobuz brings to uphold the energy and culture of the every-day audiophile and music industries.

Our INDULGR Audiophile playlist includes 600+ tracks perfect for auditioning high-end audio gear, and was curated by our team of editors.

During the Audio Advice LIVE weekend, Qobuz’s own David Solomon— the company’s Chief Hi-Res Music Evangelist—was often found roaming the halls, guesting on panels, and being the hi-res streaming ringmaster we’ve all come to appreciate and love. His generous nature and welcoming vibe is a fixture in hi-fi that we pray never goes away. Qobuz’s commitment to hi-fi and its events must receive due credit. To David especially, we thank you.

www.audioadvice.com
www.qobuz.com

The post Audio Advice LIVE 2023 | BEST OF SHOW appeared first on INDULGR.

Reporting by Eric Franklin Shook

Do stay tuned-in, as our daily coverage rolls out chronologically over the coming days, and as linked below for quick access.

• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | PREVIEW
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY ONE
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY TWO
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY THREE
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | BEST OF SHOW

Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY THREE

McIntosh Labs

I came to this room to hear the new McIntosh MCD12000 2-Channel SACD/CD Player, which under the surface is a reference level DAC that includes a reference level CD Player. Like a lot of McIntosh Labs products do these days, it also features McIntosh’s Hybrid Drive technology that utilizes vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance. Balanced and unbalanced analog outputs in both solid state and vacuum tube configurations. It uses two 32-bit/8-channel professional grade DAC chipsets, and accommodates a total of seven digital inputs.

Let me tell ya, this new SACD/CD player is no slouch. In solid-state mode music is clean and just a bit dry, but still a fantastic measuring digital rendering machine. Activate the tube section—on the fly, I might add—and all things get subjectively better. More tonal bloom, slightly more scale via instrument decay, and a slight perception change in that things appear to get either louder by a skosh -or- that now through the magic of tubes you’ve become better acquainted with the recording studio. It’s definitely the latter case, as I’ve been assured that the gain from both the solid-state and tube circuits measures the same, and I trust that.

What I didn’t trust was how much I was going to immediately love the newly reborn McIntosh ML1 mkII loudspeakers. Reborn because the new ML1 is based on off the first McIntosh speaker, which was launched in 1970, and to this day is one of the last remaining monkey coffins of that era to still fetch a hefty sum on the used market. The new model doesn’t depart from the old, still made completely in America—not in Italy as some might assume—and does almost everything to stay true to the original design and sound, but with better build components.

The ML1 is a 4-way speaker with five separate drivers in a sealed enclosure, handles up to 600 Watts, goes deep in the bass with a 12″ woofer equipped with LD/HP technology, is topped with a complex tweeter/midrange array that assures an expansive sound stage so that listeners can enjoy beautiful music regardless of seating (or standing) position. Though, I am a bit partial to the sweet spot if available. The cabinet is NOT a veneered MDF, instead it’s built entirely from American Walnut with a rich satin finish, and includes matching speaker stands. Believe me, these speakers are special.

Editor’s Note: Here’s where I take you a bit behind the curtain. McIntosh Labs is in the consumer electronics business, not so much the speaker business—though they’ve made and sold speaker systems for years. McIntosh has a thriving network of dealers who proudly carry McIntosh electronics without any worry coming from dedicated speaker manufacturers over McIntosh “the electronics company” also making and selling speakers to those same dealers. That ‘absence of worry’ era however might be coming to an end, or at least slowing with the addition of the new ML1 to the McIntosh stable of loudspeakers. The new ML1 loudspeaker really competes, is right on trend, and is likely to become one of the famed electronics company’s best selling speakers ever. But that’s just my prediction.

www.mcintoshlabs.com

McIntosh Labs + JEEP

It wouldn’t be Audio Advice LIVE without venturing outside for some of that steamy August heat that North Carolina is so famous for. However, McIntosh Labs and JEEP partnered to produce an experience that not only beats that heat, it also blends together as much tactile and sensorial luxury as one can endure: cushy seats, ice cold air conditioning, and the most immersive ump-teen-speaker stereo sound system.

Do I remember the specific specs and details of the system? No.
Do I remember thinking I could sit here—parked—for the rest of the weekend? Yes.

It is of note however that there are two different McIntosh Automotive Systems: for instance, the 2022-2023 Grand Wagoneer Series I and Series II can be equipped with either the McIntosh MX1375 Reference Entertainment System or MX950 Entertainment System. The Grand Wagoneer Series III comes standard with only the MX1375 Reference Entertainment System.

www.jeep.com
www.mcintoshlabs.com

Samsung 146-inch “The Wall” 4K-Display + JBL Synthesis 9.4.4 In-Wall = High-End Home Theater

Dubbed “The JBL Experience” by Audio Advice LIVE staffers, the sprawling JBL exhibit space felt every bit like a canvas for hi-fi wishes to be made and theater dreams to be made real. Though I could try to describe the JBL Synthesis Home Theater speaker system in it’s entirety, I’m going to turn you over Audio Advice for a deeper and more thorough dive into what makes the JBL Experience so special. Follow the link below.

• JBL Synthesis Home Theater Speaker System Overview

“The Wall” all-in-one from Samsung is a whopping 146-inch monster with some of the brightest… brights(?) that I’ve ever seen—outside of a weekend welding class. The local Cinefiles and TV nerds behind me rejoiced with glee, chatting over my shoulder about “nits” and “lumens.” A retired movie theater projectionist brought up the term “candlepower” during one of the demonstrations. This ultimate-of-the-ultimate 4K display (with built-in speakers) lists for $220k USD. Available in the same 146-inch proportions with a 2K resolution for just $106k USD, and also a 110-inch 2K version for $80k USD.

www.samsung.com/thewall

Barco +  Lumagen + Kaleidescape + Seymour-Screen Excellence + Storm Audio + FOCAL + RowOne = Ultimate Home Theater

One of the most crowded and repeat-visit-heavy demonstrations of the Audio Advice LIVE weekend was the one put together by Barco projection, Lumagen processing, a Kaleidescape server, Seymour-Screen Excellence screen, Storm Audio amplification, FOCAL speakers, and RowOne seating.

The FOCAL speakers were positioned into a generously outfitted 9.4.4 home theater configuration, featuring mains and surrounds from the FOCAL KANTA series of high-end loudspeakers—and more specifically in the make-or-break position—the FOCAL Viva Utopia Colour Evo three-way center-channel loudspeaker, from the flagship Utopia III Evo range. If there’s one thing my grandmother taught me one thing to remember about high-end home theater it’s “centers and screens”, which is her way of saying they matter most.

Speaking of screens, the 173-inch Seymour Ambient-Visionaire Black 0.9 cinemascope screen mated perfectly to the 5K output of the Barco Cinemascope projector. Cinemascope, if you’re wondering, is an over-delivering 5120×2160 pixels, whereas the experience of 4K is less than the promised “4K” at just 3840×2160 pixels. Bummer right?

Undoubtedly the best all-around performing high-end home theater experience of the weekend. The image and sonics were astounding.

www.audioadvice.com/home-theater-design

Bowers & Wilkins: Is it also art?

Positioned in the hotel lobby on gallery pedestals, it was obvious to some that what Bowers & Wilkins was trying to say is that ‘they make art.’

The now iconic Bowers & Wilkins Nautilus loudspeaker celebrates its 30th anniversary having been launched in 1993. Having aged not a bit to my keen eye. On static display here in Audio Advice BLUE. Standard color options for the Nautilus are Silver, Black, and Midnight Blue. Though, there is a special service that can match any color you specify.

Also behind the velvet rope and stanchions, the new 2023 Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature which makes a strong case for itself and the 800 Series of loudspeakers than came before it for being a paragon of industrial design. Seen here dressed in sectioned California Burl Gloss, High-Gloss Black Lacquer, and Connolly Leather.

www.bowerswilkins.com

Chord + Audeze + FOCAL

Leave us to our preferences and we’ll be satisfied. The headphone expo was nearly identical to last year, though there were some new speculations thrown around the campfire about new product launches and lower prices coming from Chord Electronics. Proving that music isn’t the only good thing you’ll hear at an audio show.

The rest of our four-man team found spaces to isolate and let the music come to them. Myself, the relatively still new Chord Mojo 2 that’s been making waves in the audiophile press was up to bat. The Mojo 2 when paired with run of the mill Audeze headphones wasn’t as neutral as I expected, and that’s not a bad thing. I think the color-of-tone and creative use of enriching frequency belong in the head-fi space more than they do in the traditional two-channel speaker world. I look forward to pairing a Mojo 2 with FOCAL Clear MG sometime in the near future.

www.audioadvice.com/headphones-portables

KEF LS50 Wireless II

This was a flight simulator exhibit that we wandered into, which featured the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers. Evolved from the original LS50 that launched almost a decade or more ago, the new Wireless II version extolls several benefits to its cycle of refinements to the driver, cabinet, amplifier, and software.

An all-in-one speaker system, streaming from any source thanks to wireless compatibility with AirPlay 2, Chromecast and more, plus wired connections for your TV, games console and turntable. KEF’s 12th generation Uni-Q with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT ) promises reduced coloration, less distortion, and a more transparent and life-like presentation than previously possible.

www.audioadvice.com/kef-ls50-wireless-ii

The post Audio Advice LIVE 2023 | DAY THREE appeared first on INDULGR.

Reporting by Eric Franklin Shook

Do stay tuned-in, as our daily coverage continues to roll out chronologically over the coming days, and as linked below for quick access.

• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | PREVIEW
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY ONE
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY TWO
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY THREE
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | BEST OF SHOW

Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY TWO

FOCAL + NAIM + Thorens

Attendees, press, and even passersby were taken by surprise when they found themselves in the Sheraton hotel lobby confronting both the scale of sight and sound produced by the FOCAL Grande Utopia EM Evo ($280k pair USD) floor-standing loudspeakers, each gorgeously adorned in a stunning Carrara White multi-layer gloss finish. It’s been said, the people aren’t ready.

The Grande Utopia EM Evo are part of the Utopia III series where all of FOCAL’s latest and best technologies are first released to the world. Including the aforementioned Grande Utopia EM Evo’s latest innovations: the NIC (Neutral Inductance Circuit) and the TMD suspension. New to the ‘EM Evo are more improvements in midrange distortion and cabinet resonance control. Too many areas of total improvement and refinement to list here, but they’re there, and they’re apparent in the listening.

Nestled between the towering behemoths of musical slam, a sleek and modern stack-o-rack of NAIM 300 Series separates starting with the NSS 333 ($11k USD): a high-resolution streaming solution that can handle the highest-quality file formats for UPnP devices and streaming services. The NSS 333’s integrated DAC also improves the performance of other devices in the system, with a universal control across the entire Naim range, all from the Focal-Naim app.

From there, the NAC 332 ($11k USD) becomes the “analogue centre” of the system, delivering the low level signal to your amplifier and loudspeakers. It’s billed as Naim’s most versatile preamplifier to date, allowing you to connect headphones as well as the NVC TT ($3,700 USD) phono preamplifier—also on active display in the system, at the left flank—for vinyl playback of the most exposing nature. Think deep-groove-diving. Diving into those grooves, a Thorens TD 1601 turntable. Taking its marching orders from the NAC 332 preamp and NVC TT phono preamp, a pair of NAP 350 ($8,500 USD) monoblock amplifiers to meet the power needs of the Grande Utopia EM Evo loudspeakers.

www.focal.com
www.naimaudio.com
www.thorens.com

FOCAL + NAIM + IsoAcoustics

What caught our attention about this interesting pair of FOCAL Sopra N°2 ($22k pair USD) loudspeakers was the unique limited-edition “brown concrete” finish. Focal introduced two new finishes to its Sopra N°2 speakers back in January of this year: Black Ostrea and Brown Concrete. The metallic bronze front panel and its chocolate-colored, concrete-look sides, the Brown Concrete finish seems like it would be easy to work into any architecture. The “Brown Concrete” finish is a work of art in itself.

The Sopra N°2 floorstanding loudspeaker is already an attention getter in its readily available six non-limited-edition finishes. Sopra in Italian means “above” or “over,” and the French speaker maker Focal certainly went above and beyond with the Sopra N°2. Equipped with the best midrange drivers ever developed by Focal, the Sopra N°2 pushes the limits of reproduction in terms of transparency and scale from compact enclosure design. Its sound is marketed as “fleshy” and I tend to agree with that descriptor. Detailed with articulated bass, overall driver coherence, and tonal richness are present.

In the active system, a NAIM Uniti Nova ($6,900 USD) all-in-one was running the program material through streaming. Firing up the classic Dave Matthews stream on Qobuz, Under The Table And Dreaming the recordings felt fresh, lively, and imbued with uncommon levels of insight. Something that I think all FOCAL products tend to excel at. Which may be something I expand on further in this week’s coverage. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

www.focal.com
www.naimaudio.com
www.isoacoustics.com

MartinLogan + Chord Electronics + Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH + AudioQuest

The MartinLogan Neolith ESL ($120k pair USD) were launched some time ago. Possibly over a decade if I’m going strictly on memory alone. They’ve likely seen several refinements in both shadow and light. They’ve also endured.

What’s different about this year’s Audio Advice LIVE experience as it concerns the Neolith and the accompanying electronics, is that this experience was wholistically, from tip-to-toe, filled like an eclair, with unconstrained dynamics and clear presence of sound. Chord Electronics do more than a lot of things right, and what hasn’t been said about large Burmester amplifiers that also hasn’t been said about Jesus. And as far as AudioQuest goes, they do no harm—which itself is a noteworthy and challenging pursuit if one is to partake in high-fidelity transmission of low-level and high-current signals.

Applause and praise is mandatory across the board here. This is what we call “chance synergy.” No one expected it, and we’ve now heard something completely new and different from the beautiful and ever so enduring MartinLogan Neolith ESL loudspeakers. Bravo! 

www.martinlogan.com
www.chordelectronics.co.uk
www.burmester.de
www.audioquest.com

Bowers & Wilkins + Classé

The goal of the two new 800 Series Signature models, was to meticulously evolve the 800 Series technology, carefully refine the craft of the design, and offer unique finishes that reflect this pinnacle of sonic performance. The 800 Series Signature models build on the foundations of their most advanced range of loudspeakers.

For instance, in the larger 801 D4 Signature ($50k pair USD): the tweeter housing has been opened up for even less smearing and interference in what was already a class-leading design in terms of abating both smearing and interference. More mounting points on the midrange and woofers for better damping and cabinet decoupling. A newly refined motor-structure for both midrange and woofer. More aluminum structures everywhere! Under the Connolly English leather adorned top plate—you guessed it—more damping. And yet! More aluminum underneath as well in the form of a newly redesigned all-aluminum low turbulence bass-flow-port. Which itself adds to the mass and stiffness of the cabinet structure. Hold your applause till the end please. And now… drumroll… a refined crossover design. Sheesh! 

Powering the whole affair, a more than capable stack Classé of electronics.

Okay, so there really is a lot going on with the two new Signature Series models. So much so, I’m surprised that the price difference over the standard models is not as reflective of the work put into the upgrades. Furthermore, these upgrades are easily discernible—even in an audio show setting.

www.bowerswilkins.com
www.classeaudio.com

Clearaudio + Wilson Audio + Boulder + Hana + HRS + Musical Surroundings

Let’s talk about what is in this system: a Clearaudio Concept AIR ($2,800 USD) turntable outfitted with the Hana Umami Blue ($2,500 USD) cartridge from Japan, handing off to a Musical Surroundings Nova III ($1,500 USD) phonostage, on to a Boulder 866 ($15,500) integrated amplifier, and then finally through the Wilson Audio Sabrina X ($20,700 pair USD) loudspeakers. Support in the form of audio-rack, comes from the HRS EXR-1921-4V ($7,800 USD) audio stand system.

Both the Hana Umami Blue and Clearaudio Concept AIR are being shown for the first time here at Audio Advice LIVE 2023, despite both being available to the market as recently as earlier this year for the Umami Blue cartridge, and last year for the Concept AIR turntable.

If you noticed something about the list of components and prices in the first paragraph of this section, there’s a bit of a strange distribution method in terms of price at the front end as it concerns the back end. For instance the audio rack the turntable is sitting on is more costly than all of the analog components it’s holding. The integrated amplifier itself is twice the cost of the audio rack. The speakers are twice the cost of the integrated amplifier.

Generally when something like this happens, bottlenecks are created. However, in this creatively assembled exhibit system, the more affordable products (namely the analog chain) not only didn’t do themselves wrong here with the associated high-end and pricier gear, they rather built-up a balanced sound that was outright impressive regardless of the price imbalance. Boulder sounded like Boulder, and Wilson Audio sounded like Wilson Audio. This is a testament to the tangible strengths of Musical Surroundings’ stable of ‘dreamware’ products.

www.musicalsurroundings.com
www.wilsonaudio.com
www.boulderamp.com

Diptyque + Audia Flight + Michell + Goldring + Gold Note + Fidelity Imports

I’ve been gathering several data-points on Diptyque loudspeakers throughout their recent introduction into the US market via new dealers and the audio show circuit. I’ve not reviewed a pair, nor have I experienced them in a dealer setting. That leaves only the audio shows, which are an assemblage of hotel rooms turned “listening rooms” in the span of twenty-four hours or less. Hence the gathering of several data-points. Or in this case, waiting for that one experience that brings it all together.

This is it! The list of the electronics and sources are well known entities that respect I for their undoubted audiophile sound and build quality. And I’ve experienced most of them before. What’s happening here is the Diptyque DP107 ($8k pair USD) panel speakers have been given the proper room to breathe. The first rule of ‘audiophile-club’ is: loudspeakers play the room.

And in the case of most panel speakers, they need a proper room to develop a proper sound. The Diptyque DP107 delivers a sound that is romantically lush and rich, with a level of dynamic efficiency seldom seen in panel loudspeakers. Which is a welcomed departure from what some brands in the panel speaker game at this price point have painfully thrust upon the marketspace for several ongoing decades. You know who I’m talking about.

As for the Audia Flight Three S ($4k USD) integrated amplifier that’s pushing these Diptyque speakers. It’s entirely made in Italy, and represents twenty-five years of knowledge and research that’s been distilled into the Three S series of electronics it comes from. Optional DAC and phono cards are available. Otherwise, it’s all analog connections. Personally, I hold Audia Flight the brand name in high regard, as I’ve never experienced a product of theirs that cut corners or didn’t deliver in affordable measure the same family sound that graces their most esoterically designed products.

Also in the system, and at the helm, the iconic Michell Audio Tecnodec ($2,700 USD) turntable with T3 Tonearm included. A beautiful Goldring E3 cartridge ($189 USD), feeding a Gold Note PH-5 ($999 USD) phonostage, and a Gold Note DS-10 Evo Streamer/DAC along for the ride. Rack by Neo Audio ($4k USD), audio cables by QED, power cables by TITAN Audio.

www.fidelityimports.com

Perlisten + Audia Flight + Michell + Goldring + Gold Note + Fidelity Imports

Have you ever met someone you didn’t want to like?

That was my own personal problem going into the Perlisten brand when I first received the press release detailing the upcoming launch of the loudspeakers. I don’t know exactly what turned me off. Was it the price? The fact that it’s a home theater speaker that claims dual-duty in the two-channel audiophile space? Maybe all of the above.

As with the above Diptyque loudspeakers, it was the audio show exhibits of Fidelity Imports that turned me into a fan of the Perlisten brand. I didn’t want to like them, but during my first audition featuring Soul Note amplifiers powering the loudspeakers, I can unashamedly say that I was hooked, and that I was wrong.

Here at the Audio Advice LIVE show everything is more powerful and more umphing in the lowest frequencies. The towering Perlisten S7t ($20k pair USD) loudspeakers in combination with the Audia Flight FLS10 ($16k+ USD as configured) integrated amplifier w/DAC and Phono card options installed, digs deep into the bass, and doing so with a composure that’s uncommonly attributed to loudspeakers that inhabit the market dedicated to home theater. Upper frequencies are balanced and delightful. None of the harsh in-your-face splash-and-broken-glass that is more common in the HT realm.

Also in the system, the even more iconic Michell Audio Gyro SE ($5,500 USD) turntable with TecnoArm 2 included. A stunning Goldring 1022-GX ($599 USD) cartridge, Gold Note DS-10 Evo Streamer/DAC $3,700 USD). Rack by Neo Audio ($4k USD), audio cables by QED, power cables by TITAN Audio.

www.fidelityimports.com

The post Audio Advice LIVE 2023 | DAY TWO appeared first on INDULGR.

Reporting by Eric Franklin Shook

Do stay tuned-in, as our daily coverage rolls out chronologically over the coming days, and as linked below for quick access.

• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | PREVIEW
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY ONE
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY TWO
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY THREE
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | BEST OF SHOW

Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY ONE

Sonus Faber + Michi + Pro-Ject + Sumiko + Rotel

When the new Sonus faber Stradivari were announced earlier this year via press release, and unveiled at the Munich High-End show, the look of the speaker was such a departure from what I know of Sonus faber designs, that it took me all of a week to warm up to it’s looks from the initial photography that was distributed to the press.

However, by the time I was done writing my AAL ’23 show preview article a few weeks ago, I was salivating to see them in the flesh, and lay an ear or two on the them.

Driving the new Stradivari, a familiar Michi preamp, and the unfamiliar Michi monoblock amplifiers—which to my ears are the real diamond of the Michi lineup. Upstream, it was a disc spinner from Rotel, or my favourite, the analog chain supplied by Pro-Ject and Sumiko.

The Stradivari in its immaculately glossy Wenge finishing, had me ready to weep. The only thing this loudspeaker had to do was sound good. It didn’t sound good—it sounded greater-than-great. Sounding to us like possibly being one of the high-end highlights of the year regardless of the fact that the reported street price is just $50k/pair USD—much less than our usual price bracket for high-water-mark experiences.

A consensus quickly formed within our four-man-team that, this system was indeed our favourite sound of the show so far. We’ll see how well that consensus holds up as we move on to day two, three, and beyond.

www.mcintoshgroup.com

Cabasse Rialto

The new Rialto is self-amplified-loudspeaker from Cabasse launched earlier this year at AXPONA ’23, and was a hit with audiophile critics and hobbyists who were open-minded enough to overlook its diminutive proportions and price tag.

The Rialto is a self-powered three-way design loudspeaker that inhabits the “all-in-one total system solution” moniker better than anyone. The Rialto features music streaming and digital-to-analog conversion built-in. Touch control and app-based remote are just a few of the standard features, which cleverly includes Cabasse’s own cloud-based room correction software, along with unbelievable amplifier power specs (1,050 watts per speaker) and truly jaw dropping bass (down to 30Hz) to back them up—and not bass just for its diminutive size either.

Cabasse’s tri-coaxial speaker driver design technology ensures that highs (3oo watts), mids (3oo watts), and lows (450 watts) emanate from a single point-source, meaning that sound is intact as a waveform and (more) accurate sounding when it reaches your ear. Price at launch is just a few bucks under $4k USD. Count me in!

www.cabasse.com

Technics asks, “Do you really need anything else?”

Nothing takes me back to the New York City of my youth than seeing a Technics 1200 series turntable spinning away. With its both iron-like durability and powerful spin-up motor, it’s know wonder why it was the industry standard and workhorse of the blossoming hip-hop culture of the early 1980s. I know now in my still-young-forties that turntables like the Technics SL-1200GR are also capable of a tempting level finesse and artfulness—especially when attached to inspiring electronics.

The entire system (well active system of this exhibit), though seductive and shiny, only represents around a $15k USD outlay when you factor in all the needed connections and cartridges.

Prominent in the system of course is the famed 1200 series turntable, but also a sexy duo of SU-G700M2 Stereo Integrated Amplifier (like a receiver, but better) and SL-G700M2 CD Player. The pair pushing the SB-G90M2 Tower Speakers, which feature a concentric driver design for mids and highs with a penchant for accurate point-source conveyance of sound, and supporting woofers for heart-stomping bass. Both digital and analog sounded phenomenal and clean during my few visits to the exhibit space.

us.technics.com

McIntosh Labs + Sonus Faber + Pro-Ject + Transparent

In an auxiliary room, located right-off-to-the-side of the larger Sonus faber Stradivari exhibit covered earlier in this post, another well curated cornucopia of the McIntosh Group’s high-end dreamwares.

Running the show, Will Kline (as pictured) of the McIntosh Group, but also the McIntosh MA352 two-channel integrated amplifier which includes McIntosh’s now famous Hybrid Drive technology that utilizes the best of both vacuum tubes and solid state power to produce the best sounding performances possible. If there’s one thing McIntosh amplifiers are known for, it’s not being short on power. This sexy little beast (the MA352, not Will) outputs 200 Watts into 8 Ohms and a mindblowing 320 Watts into 4 Ohms. On top of that, the preamplifier section of the MA352 features a dedicated 5-band tone control for dialing in the perfect eq settings. By the way, McIntosh eq’s are better than most expect them to be. Get yourself to “twisting” on them at your leisure.

Rounding out the system, a stunningly capable pair of passive loudspeakers from Sonus faber’s Heritage collection. The Electa Amator III loudspeaker is an award-winner. I know this, because I was a force in nominating it for “speaker of the year” at a former hi-fi publication that-shall-not-be-named. In this exhibit, a simple pair of speakers and amplifier absolutely dominated the space, with both composure and brute force, the duo had showgoers asking where the hidden subs were located. Obviously there were none. I know, I checked.

www.mcintoshgroup.com

DALI + NAD Masters

In my own reality this new loudspeaker has been forty years in the making.

It’s of note that this is one of the big-boy-speakers as well. Probably bigger than most of our novice readers have encountered in a domestic space, or in pedestrian retail terms. It’s taller than myself, and of unusual girth—I like where this is going—when measured with a tape. The new DALI Epikore 11 aims to, honestly and without haste, use a velvet coated lead hammer to send you into submission. Personally, I’ve not looked so forward to my own pummeling before. Except this one time in London…[editor deleted]

Making its US debut, the DALI Epikore 11 ($60k pair USD) is a four-and-a-half-way design that features DALI’s signature custom made drivers. They inherit several technologies from the DALI flagship KORE line. Technologies found in the new Epikore 11 include the EVO-K hybrid tweeter module, consisting of a traditional 35mm soft-dome tweeter and a substantially sized (55x10mm) high-frequency ribbon. The rest of the driver compliment reads like a Danish Artillery Detachment’s late-night-grocery list: 1 x 6.5-inch EPIKORE midrange, 4 x 8-inch EPIKORE woofers, new SMC KORE crossover inductors, adjustable aluminium outriggers, new high-end binding posts, dual-flare bass reflex ports, die-cast baffles (don’t overlook that, it’s actually important), and they’re all available in a cleverly designed cabinet structure that’s available in three exclusive, and premium, high-gloss finishes.

Powering the whole affair, the new NAD Masters M66 (price TBA) BluOS Streaming DAC-Preamplifier which was feeding a well-loved low-level signal to an NAD Masters M23 Stereo Power Amplifier. This may be the first ever showing of the new NAD Masters M66 streaming-dac-preamp, of that I’m not sure. But if it is, that’s exciting news, as I’m happy to report that the new M66 does everything, and apparently also does everything well. The entire suite of electronics and speakers sounded classy and precise, along with the ability to blast one away when given a bit of the juice. I look forward to our next session.

www.dali-speakers.com
www.nadelectronics.com

The Keynote + Concert + Lincoln Theatre

This is the only high-end home audio show that does this, and I like it. Is it an excuse for drinking? Possibly. I often look forward to certain audio shows for that. But this particular keynote-address-party is much more inspiring and celebratory than most expect.

Audio Advice is going places, and it shows. Forty-plus-years-going-strong and still they are breaking new ground—annually—and not just for themselves, but for the whole industry.

Where do they go next? Who knows.

The Show Begins + Thank You

The show begins with the gathering of tipsy (or at least on their way to tipsy) crowd members for the keynote address that’s to be given by Scott Newnam the CEO of Audio Advice. The theatre is packed to the rafters—I mean that literally—I touched one when on the mezzanine trying to get a new angle.

Jonathan Stephens of Audio Advice takes the stage to thank the crowd, and to give thanks to the companies and crews who made the Audio Advice LIVE show possible. Without wasting any time, this begins the bombastically orchestrated and over-the-top music, light-show, and video introduction for Scott Newnam. This type of introduction is a bit of a comical prank, as Newnam is always left unaware of what the Audio Advice team has in store for him.

It went a little something like this…

Scott Newnam + Leon Shaw

Brilliant as ever, Newnam launched into his passionate rallying of the troops, and by the end of it had all in attendance feeling like they could charge right through a brick wall. Once the crowd settled back down, and continued to sip a little more of the liquid courage, Newnam brought to the stage the now retired Audio Advice founder Leon Shaw, who gave us all a nice thank you and background story on the founding of Audio Advice.

To my own recollection of history, if it’s accurate, Shaw and partner Ira Dorne almost single-handedly invented the high-end home audio marketplace when they founded Audio Advice back in 1978. History is written by the victors, right?

Shortly after wrapping up the speeches and thank yous, the concert begins.

The post Audio Advice LIVE 2023 | DAY ONE appeared first on INDULGR.

To the uninitiated, this is a stop-by-stop tour through what we believe to be the highlights of the Audio Advice LIVE ’23 show. Yet, this is only a glimpse of the best that high-end home audio and high-end home theater have to offer—each at varying strata of the lifestyle. Here are the debuts (of which there are several) and exhibitions that we found most interesting throughout our coverage of the three-day-long event.

Reporting by Eric Franklin Shook

Do stay tuned-in, as our daily coverage rolls out chronologically over the coming days, and as linked below for quick access.

• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | PREVIEW
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY ONE
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY TWO
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | DAY THREE
• Audio Advice LIVE ’23 | BEST OF SHOW

PREVIEW ENCLOSED BELOW

Last year’s Audio Advice LIVE event (linked here) went down in the record books. This year Audio Advice LIVE 2023 returns to downtown Raleigh, North Carolina for what’s promised to be a bigger sensation than ever. Over sixty high-end brands have signed on to exhibit at the 2023 show. A colossal selection of new and exciting High-End Home Audio and High-End Home Theater systems will be on exhibition throughout the mind-blowing three-day event of: spectacular music, and stunning motion pictures.

Newcomers be warned: High-End Home Audio is a life changing experience.

Audio Advice LIVE, August 4-6, 2023

Sheraton Raleigh Hotel
421 S. Salisbury St
Raleigh, North Carolina

As a native of the Raleigh area, if I can suggest one thing for out-of-towners, it’s that you make your nightly dinner reservations well-in-advance of the Audio Advice LIVE 2023 event. To help, here’s a list of Downtown Raleigh’s most popular restaurants. However, feel free to explore The Research Triangle and outlying areas, as the best establishments of Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding communities are proven award-getters from the nation’s most respected culinary authors.

The Audio Advice LIVE 2023 event is taking place at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel—the same hotel as last 2022. Additional lodging is available at the Raleigh Marriott City Center located next door to the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel. More information on how-to-attend and what-to-expect is located below. We’ll see you there!

Watch the Audio Advice LIVE ’23 Trailer Below

Uniting the world’s top consumer electronics brands, industry experts, and enthusiasts for an incredible 3-day high-performance event

RALEIGH, NC — Get ready to experience the ultimate audio and video immersion at Audio Advice Live, returning to the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Raleigh, NC from August 4-6, 2023. With over 60 experience rooms and dedicated home theater rooms, attendees can immerse themselves in music and video like never before. This three-day event is the nation’s largest high-end home audio and home theater show catering to consumers, offering a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with industry experts and more than 80 of the world’s top consumer electronic brands.

“Audio Advice Live is designed to give consumers an opportunity to experience a massively diverse set of home audio and home theater products all in one location,” said Scott Newnam, CEO of Audio Advice. “More and more people are investing to make their homes an oasis where they can enjoy great music, television, and movies with friends and family. After an incredibly successful inaugural event in 2022, we have attracted the top brands from around the world and we could not be more excited to host it right here in Raleigh, North Carolina.”

In addition to the experience rooms, Audio Advice Live features four industry expert panels discussing the newest trends in home theater audio, home theater video, high-performance stereo systems, and turntables. Leading industry experts and influencers will also be talking to attendees and visiting demo rooms throughout the event.

Exclusive On-Site Panel Discussions from Industry Experts:

• Building A High-Quality Home Theater Sound System – Friday, August 4th – 2pm
• The Future of Home Theater Video – Saturday August 5th – 11am
• Trends In High-Performance Audio – Saturday August 5th – 2pm
• The Vinyl Revival: Turntable & Vinyl Must-Haves – Sunday, August 6th – 1pm

“Audio Advice Live 2022 was hands down the most complete and organized event in the home theater and audio category last year. If you miss this show, you are missing out. I can easily see this being one of the key industry events for many years to come.” said Patrick Siebert, C.I. Key Account Manager – JVC/KENWOOD USA

“Last year, when we exhibited at Audio Advice Live, we were struck by a number of things that made it a lock for us to come back this year. The event ran smoothly, there were many great companies on display, and the vibe of the whole event was a celebration of high-performance audio & video. We know it will be even better this year and are excited to be there!” – Bart LoPiccolo, Sales Director – McIntosh Labs, Sonus Faber, and Fine Sounds Americas

“Audio Advice Live was a great surprise for Qobuz. We were expecting a normal, first-year show with all that comes with it. Instead, we found a totally buttoned-up and very professional event. In our opinion, Audio Advice Live will soon be the most relevant regional show in the US. Qobuz is proud to sponsor the 2023 show!” – David Solomon, V.P. Business Development & Chief Hi-Res Music Evangelist – Qobuz USA

What to Expect at Audio Advice Live:

• See & Hear New Gear: The event features experience rooms full of top-notch speakers, projectors, electronics, headphones, and audio/video gear from the biggest names in the industry including Sony, JVC, Samsung, McIntosh, Sonus Faber, Bowers & Wilkins, JBL Synthesis, SVS, KEF, Klipsch, Revel, Monitor Audio, Anthem, and many more.
• Learn from Industry Pros: In addition to the experience rooms, Audio Advice Live features four industry expert panels discussing the newest trends in home theater audio, & video, high-performance stereo systems, and turntables. Leading industry experts and influencers will also be talking to attendees and visiting demo rooms throughout the event.
• Opening Night Kickoff & Concert: The immersive weekend of fun kicks off at Lincoln Theater with a live concert featuring Love Tribe and a special state-of-the-industry keynote address from Audio Advice CEO Scott Newnam on Friday, August 4th at 5:45pm. Following the keynote will be a special performance from Love Tribe, the ultimate high-energy good-time party band playing a wide range of music with a non-stop adrenaline-fueled show that won’t slow down until the last song is through.

Audio Advice Live offers one and three-day pass options for attendees and is open to the public. All show registration passes grant access to the experience rooms and exhibit hall, as well as live panel discussions and the opening kickoff concert at Lincoln Theater on August 4th at 5:45pm. To register for the event or learn more, visit Audio Advice Live (linked here).

ABOUT AUDIO ADVICE

Audio Advice, founded in 1978, is the top home electronics dealer in the Southeastern U.S. and the fastest-growing consumer electronics eCommerce site in the United States. Its showrooms in Raleigh and Charlotte feature state-of-the-art retail settings with a world-class range of audio and acoustic technology, including one of the best selections of high-performance speakers in the United States. Showrooms include fully-immersive listening and home theater demonstration environments and are staffed by some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the country.

Audio Advice has been named “Best Specialty AV Dealer in the U.S.”, by TWICE magazine and has won Triangle Business Journal’s “2022 Best Places To Work” and Newsweek’s “2022 Fastest Growing Online Shops”.

The company offers an extensive library of resources on popular entertainment and home technology products including reviews, tutorials, and design ideas, and offers a free patent-pending Home Theater Design tool to plan and visualize any entertainment room.

The post Audio Advice LIVE 2023 | PREVIEW appeared first on INDULGR.