Axpona 2023 Archives | INDULGR /tag/axpona-2023/ Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:05:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-cropped-indulgr_logo-3-32x32.png Axpona 2023 Archives | INDULGR /tag/axpona-2023/ 32 32 Avantgarde, Phasemation, Esoteric, dCS, American Sound of Canada | AXPONA 2023 /audiophile/events/avantgarde-phasemation-esoteric-dcs-american-sound-of-canada-axpona-23/ /audiophile/events/avantgarde-phasemation-esoteric-dcs-american-sound-of-canada-axpona-23/#respond Tue, 02 May 2023 12:02:36 +0000 /?p=1463 Angie Lisi of American Sound of Canada, who has recently taken on Rethm, and had some hiding in a second system in her large top-floor suite at Axpona 2023 was also rocking a number of other cool brands. Among them, Phasemation, Esoteric’s Magne-drive magnetic drive turntable, a full dCS Vivaldi Apex stack, and a pair […]

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Angie Lisi of American Sound of Canada, who has recently taken on Rethm, and had some hiding in a second system in her large top-floor suite at Axpona 2023 was also rocking a number of other cool brands. Among them, Phasemation, Esoteric’s Magne-drive magnetic drive turntable, a full dCS Vivaldi Apex stack, and a pair of Avantgarde Duo GTs in full active configuration.

Reporting by Grover Neville

While I had a hard time finding a spot to listen on not two but three different occasions because the room was so packed, the few auditory glimpses of unfamiliar material seemed promising. Avantgarde and Angie usually put on an excellent show, and I’ve always heard good sound from this large suite room and these german horn loudspeakers – in this case, I’ll let the packed room speak for itself. Folks enjoyed what they were hearing!

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Treehaus Audiolab, Innuos, Iconoclast Cable | AXPONA 2023 /audiophile/events/treehaus-audiolab-innuos-iconoclast-cable-axpona-23/ /audiophile/events/treehaus-audiolab-innuos-iconoclast-cable-axpona-23/#respond Tue, 25 Apr 2023 08:24:43 +0000 /?p=1400 Treehaus Audiolab continues my theme of show rooms doing hifi different. Rich Pinto, who is fast becoming a familiar face to the INDULGR crew, were showing his irrepressibly organic approach to audio, which included the Treehaus National Treasure Field Coil Loudspeakers, an open-baffle full-range field coil speaker design which use a Fostex T90A super tweeter […]

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Treehaus Audiolab continues my theme of show rooms doing hifi different. Rich Pinto, who is fast becoming a familiar face to the INDULGR crew, were showing his irrepressibly organic approach to audio, which included the Treehaus National Treasure Field Coil Loudspeakers, an open-baffle full-range field coil speaker design which use a Fostex T90A super tweeter at the upper end, a rebuilt and reimagined vintage Klangfilm driver from Atelier Rullit “Aero” (full-range field coil with a custom tube rectifier power supply) for the widest mid-band you’ve ever heard, and a 15-inch DSP-controlled woofers for the low end. Oh, and did I mention the baffle in question comes in live edge wood, making each of these speakers one of a kind?

The crossover design uses Milfex caps and a Fostex L-Pad for tweeter attenuation. Speaker terminals are from Cardas, and Neutrik PowerCon for the field coil power. MiniDSP (for woofer), and speaker-to-power supply are included (Belden 9497). As these are bespoke designs, more options are available upon request.

Reporting by Grover Neville

Organic lines, especially in living rooms with hifi equipment, which can often verge into the rather grey, square and boxy, can be just the touch of panache needed to keep things cozy and inviting. And, happily, here again is another system that is both visually and sonically appealing. On first sight you’d expect the absence of harsh edges that can result from harsh breakup modes in stiff-metal cones, and an inviting and smooth presentation. What you don’t expect from the Treehaus system however is how relatively even the frequency response is, how low the bass goes and how snappy and quick everything is. Setup correctly these are capable of serious musical scuba diving hi-fi duties.

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Speaking of setup, the field coil woofers are highly adjustable, as is the powered bass, and I’ve heard these do both an almost horn-like immediacy and dynamic, and also a very wide, very even, almost wide-bandwidth electrostat type presentation. Variety is the spice of life as they say, but especially for those looking for that rare combination of goosebumps and detail, I can heartily recommend investigating Treehaus loudspeakers.

No less responsible for the sound is the Treehaus electronics, done in their own fetching boxes, and playing by their own rules much like the loudspeakers. The transformers use some exotic core materials and are based on no longer produced Japanese designs, but use somewhat higher primaries for the 300B than most, along with a few other tricks, and to my ears go for a clean and open sound with subtle fairy dust, rather than the overly syrupy presentation some associate with directly heated triodes.

Treehaus Audiolab have collaborated with legendary electronics designer and builder Radu Tarta to produce thermionic tube amplifiers and preamplifiers ideally suited for high-efficiency loudspeakers. Based on the work of Susumu Sakuma (Japan) the amplifiers utilize a DHT driver interstage coupled to a directly heated triode power tube.

The Treehaus preamplifier is based on the 4P1L design and utilizes TVC (Transformer Volume Control) to abate signal losses often found in more traditional attenuation devices. Parts are quality, using Finemet transformers, Coleman filament regulators, and Cardas connectors.

The Preamplifier features a tube rectified power supply, multiple power supplies, Cardas RCA in and out, Elma input switching, Amphenol connectors on the PSU umbilical, and hardwood veneer over baltic birch multi-ply casework.

The Amplifier features an outboard Sakuma architecture PSU, 10Y/801A driver tube, Finement Interstage iron, Gold Lion 300B power tubes, Finement output iron, Coleman filament regulators, and an LED voltage readout. Along with other connection and finishing features found in the preamplifier design.

Loudspeakers

National Treasure Field Coil Loudspeakers (Starting at $19,000 USD)

Amplification

Treehaus Audiolab Preamplifier ($16,000 USD)
Treehaus Audiolab Amplifier ($17,500 USD)
Treehaus MC Step-Up Transformer ($3,000 USD)

Cabling by Iconoclast Cable

AXPONA

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Diptyque, Audia Flight, Michell Audio, NEO, Fidelity Imports | AXPONA 2023 /audiophile/events/diptyque-audio-flight-michell-audio-neo-fidelity-imports-axpona-23/ /audiophile/events/diptyque-audio-flight-michell-audio-neo-fidelity-imports-axpona-23/#respond Tue, 25 Apr 2023 07:47:48 +0000 /?p=1406 Fidelity Imports was showing, by my count, six separate rooms at Axpona 2023 – and all of the ones I went into had very cool gear in them. The standout for me was the Diptyque Audio and Audia Flight room, which displayed a trait you really never expect from a panel speaker: bass. Reporting by […]

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Fidelity Imports was showing, by my count, six separate rooms at Axpona 2023 – and all of the ones I went into had very cool gear in them. The standout for me was the Diptyque Audio and Audia Flight room, which displayed a trait you really never expect from a panel speaker: bass.

Reporting by Grover Neville

Yes, that was my first impression, ‘wow, this is some serious low end.’ Mate that low end to the kind of quick, holographic and detached-from-the-speaker imaging panel speakers are also known for and you have a recipe for a very sweet room indeed. Add on to this the fun dotted pattern of the Diptyque speakers, a notable departure from the fancy mosquito appearance of some panel speakers, and you’ve something that would be right at home in a Bauhaus Nouveau living room.

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I did visit this room a second time, and while the small room made low end and imaging challenging, with bass a hint sloppier and imaging a little fuzzier on some highly loudenated electronic music, the Diptyque speakers were still making sound that struck me as distinctly high end. Mind you, I was not intimately familiar with the listening material, and the refinement of the speaker was still evident. If you’ve a love of panel speakers and their signature sonic perspective, these could be the ones.

Loudspeakers

Diptyque Audio Reference Loudspeakers ($49,999 pr USD)

Amplification

Audia Flight Strumento No. 1 Preamplifier ($19,999 USD)
Audia Flight Strumento No. 8 Monoblock Amplifiers ($29,999 ea USD)
Michell Audio Orbe SE w/TechnoArm2 ($8,498 USD)

Rack

NEO High End Rack ($3,999 USD 3 shelf / $5,999 USD 4 shelf)

AXPONA

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Seawave, Ayre, Aurender, Cardas | AXPONA 2023 /audiophile/events/seawave-ayre-audrender-cardas-axpona-23/ /audiophile/events/seawave-ayre-audrender-cardas-axpona-23/#respond Tue, 25 Apr 2023 07:45:28 +0000 /?p=1404 Seawave Acoustics of South Korea, started by a Buddhist monk who was initially interested in recording his teacher, was one of the more interesting rooms at Axpona 2023. This company has had some presence in the North American market in the past, but made a bigger splash this year, showing off three sizes of their […]

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Seawave Acoustics of South Korea, started by a Buddhist monk who was initially interested in recording his teacher, was one of the more interesting rooms at Axpona 2023. This company has had some presence in the North American market in the past, but made a bigger splash this year, showing off three sizes of their speakers alongside familiar face Ayre Acoustics.

Reporting by Grover Neville

Ayre was showing off their new Ayre VX-8 Stereo Power Amplifier, with beautiful guts on display. Playing were the Ayre MX-R Twenty monoblock amplifiers, and the combination of this amp and the Seawave speakers was making surprisingly lovely sound. There was not an excess of horn colorations, and integration with mids and low end was smooth, though the listening material was unfamiliar to me.

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I visited the room twice, and both times was pleasantly impressed by what I heard. Beneath the Seawave’s charming cherry red horns, there is a surprising amount of high tech – HDMT high-damping metal, no-solder connections and unicast aluminum are features that speak to a thoroughly high end brand. In the last few years we’ve seen some seriously good Korean audio enter the North American market, Allnic and Waversa coming to mind. I would now add Seawave to this list, and look forward to seeing and hearing more from them.

Loudspeakers

Seawave AM45 ($150,000 pr USD)
Seawave AM23 ($20,000 pr USD)
Seawave Aletheia III ($16,000 pr USD)

Amplification

Ayre CX-8 CD Player ($5,450 USD)
Ayre QX-5 Twenty Digital Hub ($15,000 USD)
Ayre KX-R Twenty Preamplifier ($40,000 USD)
Ayre MX-R Twenty Monoblock Amplifiers ($48,000 pr USD)
Ayre QX-8 DAC/Preamplifier ($6,950 USD)
Ayre VX-8 Stereo Amplifier ($6,800 USD)
Aurender N30SA ($25,000 USD)

Cabling by Seawave and Cardas

AXPONA

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TIDAL Audio, Bricasti Design | AXPONA 2023 /audiophile/events/tidal-audio-bricasti-design-axpona-23/ /audiophile/events/tidal-audio-bricasti-design-axpona-23/#respond Tue, 25 Apr 2023 07:44:37 +0000 /?p=1402 TIDAL Audio (and Vimberg for that matter) were present in several rooms, including the ultra-precise yet smooth Wynn Audio room where Vimberg was on display in one of the larger ballrooms, and the Bricasti Design and TIDAL Audio system in one of the atrium hotel rooms. Showing was a full stack of Bricasti M1 and […]

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TIDAL Audio (and Vimberg for that matter) were present in several rooms, including the ultra-precise yet smooth Wynn Audio room where Vimberg was on display in one of the larger ballrooms, and the Bricasti Design and TIDAL Audio system in one of the atrium hotel rooms. Showing was a full stack of Bricasti M1 and M3 DACs, M20 and M21 Preamplifiers and M28 Monoblocks, alongside the TIDAL Audio Piano G2 speakers.

A factoid of note: Bricasti Design owns three pairs of TIDAL speakers, and uses a pair of special finish TIDAL Contriva to develop and voice the electronics.

Reporting by Grover Neville

The sound was TIDAL through and through — complete refinement and a tonality like pure water from top to bottom, with that iconic TIDAL high frequency sound that is frankly best described as sounding ‘expensive.’ TIDAL speakers elevate musical experiences in a way that’s hard to describe, and if you haven’t heard a pair yet, you owe yourself the favor of an audition. Starting Yesterday.

AXPONA

Equally at home with the these high-end loudspeakers were the aforementioned Bricasti electronics. I’m fairly familiar with the M7 Reverb unit and control units from my work in the music and film industry, but less so with the amplifiers and D/A converter. To my ears they had that trademark linearity with a hint of richness, depth and smooth treble that Bricasti is known for. Very nice.

AXPONA

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Rethm, Phasemation, Audio Research, HRS | AXPONA ’23 /audiophile/events/rethm-phasemation-audio-research-hrs-axpona-23/ /audiophile/events/rethm-phasemation-audio-research-hrs-axpona-23/#respond Mon, 24 Apr 2023 11:54:18 +0000 /?p=1461 Rethm Audio’s Jacob George, one of my favorite people in the audio industry, was present at Axpona 2023 making a rather special showing. Having celebrated a newly inked distribution deal with Angie Lisi of American Sound of Canada, Jacob had every model in his current lineup present and was swapping speakers throughout the show. My […]

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Rethm Audio’s Jacob George, one of my favorite people in the audio industry, was present at Axpona 2023 making a rather special showing. Having celebrated a newly inked distribution deal with Angie Lisi of American Sound of Canada, Jacob had every model in his current lineup present and was swapping speakers throughout the show. My eye was particularly caught by a very snazzy semi-matte white version of the Aarka standmount. Equally eye-catching was the substantial Saadhana flagship speaker in the gorgeous dark wood finish.

Reporting by Grover Neville

Paired with Phasemation amps, I heard the Maargas, the speaker one step higher in the line than the Trishnas I reviewed for Part-Time Audiophile recently. The sound was much as I remember it – or perhaps even better. That uncanny Rethm ability to completely detach the soundstage from the speakers and float an enormous horizontal and vertical image before the listener was in full force here. No doubt the very nice and quite pricey Phasemation amplifiers were partially responsible, but my sense was also that as you go up the Rethm line, the larger drivers increase the sense of bandwidth, scale and dynamics of the presentation.

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Somewhat akin to Treehaus Audiolab, Rethm to me is a company doing hi-fi in a unique way which is distinctly fun and focused on musical engagement rather than a single absolute truth of experience. Not to mention, they have tremendously more reasonable prices than many equivalent speakers – Jacob George continues to speak my language.

AXPONA

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Peaks by YG Acoustics, Black by Bel Canto, Cardas | AXPONA 2023 /audiophile/events/peaks-by-yg-acoustics-black-by-bel-canto-cardas-axpona-23/ /audiophile/events/peaks-by-yg-acoustics-black-by-bel-canto-cardas-axpona-23/#respond Sun, 23 Apr 2023 21:02:26 +0000 /?p=1319 All of us on the INDULGR team have become accustomed to the phrase “the jury is still out on this one“, meaning that enough data points have not been collected over time to say one has formed an opinion worth sharing. As far as new products go this is the norm, and especially so when […]

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All of us on the INDULGR team have become accustomed to the phrase “the jury is still out on this one“, meaning that enough data points have not been collected over time to say one has formed an opinion worth sharing. As far as new products go this is the norm, and especially so when a known entity is reaching for new markets. As is the case with both YG Acoustics and Bel Canto here at Axpona 2023.

Reporting by Eric Franklin Shook

Whereas YG Acoustics (Colorado based) is reaching towards a more price conscious audience with their new Peaks series, Bel Canto (Minnesota based) is simultaneously reaching upmarket with their new Black series. Oddly enough, they’ve found each other on even ground.

The exhibit system featured the new Black DAC System ($40,000 USD) a two chassis affair, and Black EX Dual Mono Amp ($10,500 USD) powering the Peaks Talus (reported $14,200 pr USD at launch in 2022) two-way tower, and itself debuting the self-powered Peaks Descent (price unknown at publishing) subwoofer.

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Our first audio show outing with the Peaks series involved a pair of Peaks monitors, and left us wondering if bass would be the sacrificial lamb in engineering terms when it came to YG Acoustics scaling down to a more affordable level. And while the jury is still out on the monitors for us, the Talus floorstander and Descent Subwoofer leave nothing to be desired in the lower realms.

What struck us most was the way the new Black series products from Bel Canto elevated (or were themselves elevated in this pairing) with the Peaks loudspeakers. Nothing about the sound would lead you to believe that either company was treading into new territory with a freshman effort. The aggregate display of sound was both refined, dynamic, and ultimately high-end prowess without noticeable compromises. A damn good showing for both rookies.

The jury is in, and the verdict is: impressed.

AXPONA

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Bayz Audio, VAC, Taiko, Esoteric, Rhapsody Audio | AXPONA 2023 /audiophile/events/bayz-audio-vac-taiko-esoteric-rhapsody-audio-axpona-23/ /audiophile/events/bayz-audio-vac-taiko-esoteric-rhapsody-audio-axpona-23/#respond Sun, 23 Apr 2023 20:01:56 +0000 /?p=1275 If you started off your Axpona 2023 experience by rushing to floor sixteen (the uppermost altitude-iness floor of the show) exiting the elevators to the short end of the hallway, and set off on your weekend tour, letting gravity take the lead, then you likely encountered Bayz Audio via New York City based ultra-high-end dealer […]

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If you started off your Axpona 2023 experience by rushing to floor sixteen (the uppermost altitude-iness floor of the show) exiting the elevators to the short end of the hallway, and set off on your weekend tour, letting gravity take the lead, then you likely encountered Bayz Audio via New York City based ultra-high-end dealer Rhapsody Audio.

Reporting by Eric Franklin Shook

The Bayz Audio experience is a great high-water-mark and baseline to begin any audio show with, but for the timid a bit unsettling in its presentation. All of which is fine and dandy, as I have marketed myself to potential lovers in a similar fashion with great success: “If I’m not the best, at least I’ll definitely be the weirdest.”

What makes the Bayz Audio Counterpoint 2.0 (as shown in Carbon Fiber $159,900 pr USD) sound so cool in my opinion begins with the omni-directional presentation of the vertically aligned radial drivers, much like MBL in the way they load the room. You receive both direct and reflecting high frequency information, only distinct from each other by time of arrival. This creates both broad and pinpoint images, and as far as the ears can see, there are few like it.

AXPONA

Second on the cool list, the seemingly unorthodox carbon exclosure that contains two 9-inch woofers to handle frequencies down to 24Hz. However, this unorthodox approach is more paradoxical in nature. All of the same bass loading principals we are familiar with in high-end audio terms still apply to this enclosure, it’s just in this beautiful formation the truth is caught standing on its head for attention.

Furthermore, the system curated by Rhapsody also set benchmark status for the show with a choice of electronics. VAC Master Preamplifier with Outboard Power Supply and Signature 200 with VAC iQ System handling the amplifying power, Taiko and Esoteric on the digital front, leaving not an ounce to scoff at. Truly an ultra-high-end experience for the ages.

AXPONA

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Vivid Audio, Audionet, Mola Mola, Kubala-Sosna, GTT Audio | AXPONA 2023 /audiophile/events/vivid-audio-audionet-mola-mola-kubala-sosna-gtt-audio-axpona-23/ /audiophile/events/vivid-audio-audionet-mola-mola-kubala-sosna-gtt-audio-axpona-23/#respond Sun, 23 Apr 2023 19:07:37 +0000 /?p=1302 Vivid Audio loudspeakers and I have a long-standing situationship: readers familiar with my tastes will know my love for the avantgarde and whimsical in all things art and design, and there is perhaps no more beautifully designed speaker than the Giya range in one of the brilliant Oyster Matte colors. What I have so far […]

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Vivid Audio loudspeakers and I have a long-standing situationship: readers familiar with my tastes will know my love for the avantgarde and whimsical in all things art and design, and there is perhaps no more beautifully designed speaker than the Giya range in one of the brilliant Oyster Matte colors. What I have so far not had the chance to do however is hear these gorgeous little design-bombs.

Reporting by Grover Neville

Axpona 2023 was my first chance at this, and while love at first sight has on occasion deceived me, love at first listen did not. On paper the G1 Spirit ($95,000 pr USD) tick all the high end boxes, composite aluminum drivers, high-tech fiberglass sandwich cabinets, sophisticated tube-loaded transmission backhorns, you name it, and Laurence Dickie has done it. Yet by sound these are a far cry from high-end speakers which can sometimes speak more to the head than heart.

AXPONA

The G1 Spirit poured rich, enveloping sound into the room, with speed, dynamics and a lovely smooth frequency response that was amongst my favorite sounds at the show. I spent more time listening here than any other room, and found myself focusing more on the music than the gear. Soundstage this deep and wide is always a treat.

Eagle-eyed readers may recall Bill Parish of GTT Audio as the generous provider of the Mola Mola Makua and Tambaqui units for my review at Part-Time Audiophile. He was here an accommodating and excellent DJ, and I have a sense that the Audionet electronics running the G1 Spirit were equally as responsible for the top notch sound. Low end went deep, dynamics were excellent, and particularly on more acoustic sound, the top end was very natural and not stylized or hyped to my ears.

In a second room, Ewald Verkerk, representing Vivid and Mola Mola was showing off a new Mola Mola class-D stereo amplifier leashed to some Vivid Kaya 25 ($11,000 pr USD). There was a particular demo track I didn’t catch the name of that presented some astoundingly deep mid-40hz bass tones at thunderous levels. Everything was clean as a whistle, and the Kaya 25 and new Mola Mola amp proceeded to cruise along with the same sweetness and effortless sense of control I heard from the G1 Spirit. Color me extremely impressed by both of the GTT Audio / Vivid Audio rooms, and for those with a taste for whimsy and great sound, stay tuned for a deeper dive into this brand.

Loudspeakers

Vivid G1 Spirit ($95,000 USD)
Vivid Kaya 25 ($11,000 USD)

Amplifiers

AudioNet Stern Preamplifier ($48,950 USD)
AudioNet Heisenberg Monoblocks ($105,000 pr USD)

Mola Mola Perca Stereo Amplifier ($9,850 USD)
Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC ($13,500 USD)

Cabling by Kubala-Sosna

AXPONA

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Alluxity, Chario, Monarch Systems | AXPONA 2023 /audiophile/events/alluxity-chario-monarch-systems-axpona-23/ /audiophile/events/alluxity-chario-monarch-systems-axpona-23/#respond Sun, 23 Apr 2023 18:22:47 +0000 /?p=1288 Monarch Systems was running perhaps the most characterful room of Axpona 2023, decorated like a Tiki bar, with statues, grass table skirts, island-themed room treatment banners, and the crew from Monarch decked out in shorts, Hawaiian shirts and colorful Leis. When anyone talks about putting some fun in audio — this is how to do […]

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Monarch Systems was running perhaps the most characterful room of Axpona 2023, decorated like a Tiki bar, with statues, grass table skirts, island-themed room treatment banners, and the crew from Monarch decked out in shorts, Hawaiian shirts and colorful Leis. When anyone talks about putting some fun in audio — this is how to do it.

Reporting by Grover Neville

Speaking of fun, I witnessed a showgoer request some Diana Krall or other over-trodden audiophile earworm, and was delighted to see one of the folks from Monarch Systems return with an impish grin and a Duran Duran record. Nothing of Miles Davis, Norah Jones, or Dave Brubeck was heard in this room during my visit.

AXPONA

Irreverence aside, there was no shortage of exceptional sound coming out of this system, which included Chario Aviator Amelias and Alluxity amplifiers. Low end was tremendous, tightly controlled and mids sweet, rich and clear. Alongside the GTT Audio / Vivid Audio room this ranked as one of my top rooms for musical engagement. Don’t let appearances fool you, the folks at Monarch Systems know how to have fun, and engage the ear.

I also had a brief but illuminating conversation with Alexander Vitus Morgensen, the head of Alluxity, as well as the son and heir apparent of the founder of Vitus Audio. I was impressed by his depth of knowledge not only of audio, but also design and art. He noted that while he appreciates the Nordic countries’ reputation for clean design, he also wishes there were more appreciation for whimsy and color — less grey squares and more, well… more Alluxity.

While the term lifestyle can sometimes be used to deride product which prioritizes looks over sound — a false dichotomy if I’ve ever heard one — we agreed that there is a Goldilocks middle ground where great sounding gear also looks and works seamlessly. As I mentioned, the combination Alluxity and Chario was making excellent sound period, and I’m looking forward to hearing more — stay tuned for a deeper dive with Alexander and Alluxity in the future.

Loudspeakers

Chario Aviator Amelia ($8,400 USD)

Amplification

Alluxity Pre Two ($12,500 USD)
Alluxity Power Two ($9,600 USD)
Alluxity Int One ($9,800 USD) on static display

AXPONA

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Zesto Audio, YG Acoustics, Dr. Feickert Analogue, Stillpoints, Cardas | AXPONA 2023 /audiophile/events/zesto-audio-yg-acoustics-dr-feickert-analogue-stillpoints-cardas-axpona-23/ /audiophile/events/zesto-audio-yg-acoustics-dr-feickert-analogue-stillpoints-cardas-axpona-23/#respond Sat, 22 Apr 2023 23:42:11 +0000 /?p=1266 Zesto Audio, a California based high-end electronics company, was debuting their new Eros 500 Select Monoblock amplifiers, sold in pairs for $35,000 pr USD. Showing in the system: loudspeakers from YG Acoustics, electronics from Zesto, turntable from Dr. Feickert, cables from Cardas, and support from Stillpoints. Reporting by Eric Franklin Shook The new Eros 500 […]

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Zesto Audio, a California based high-end electronics company, was debuting their new Eros 500 Select Monoblock amplifiers, sold in pairs for $35,000 pr USD. Showing in the system: loudspeakers from YG Acoustics, electronics from Zesto, turntable from Dr. Feickert, cables from Cardas, and support from Stillpoints.

Reporting by Eric Franklin Shook

The new Eros 500 Select Monoblocks represent 250 per channel watts of power, developed in Class-A topology. Making it potentially the most tube derived Class-A power on the market today. The new amplifiers feature a unique Bias Select switch that can accommodate four different output tubes: KT88, KT120, KT150, and KT170s.

AXPONA

Sourcing for the Axpona 2023 system was purely analog and thankfully so, as the analog chain in this system is entirely reference level from end-to-end. Starting with the Dr. Feickert Analogue Blackbird Deluxe ($8,635 USD) turntable, outfitted with two 9.8-inch Tri-Planar tonearms (U2-Se $8,600 USD and VII-U2 $6,900 USD). Cartridges in use during the show: Ortofon Verismo MC ($6,999 USD) and Benz Micro Gullwing SLR MC ($3,600 USD). The aforementioned feeding the Zesto Audio Andros Tessera Reference ($19,900 USD) tube phono stage.

From there, the Zesto Audio Leto Ultra II ($11,900 USD) tube preamp handed the low level information off to the new monoblocks, which featured YG Acoustics Hailey 2.2 ($52,800 pr USD) floorstanding speakers.

Having all the maths at my disposal, this undoubtedly high-end reference level system still weighed in at just a smidge over $200k USD — making it on to my all-time list of high value statement systems. Funny how that works, but it does. I’ve known several audiophiles who have spent more, to receive less. Not saying they were duped, but just didn’t curate the system correctly or all at once. For those, it’s the journey that matters.

Taking the Zesto system on display as a stand alone turnkey product, I would urge anyone interested in starting up in high-end audio to find a dealer and “point-click” their way to this kind of endpoint.

AXPONA

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Børresen, Aavik, Ansuz, Axxess, Next Level Hi-Fi | AXPONA 2023 /audiophile/events/borresen-aavik-ansuz-axxess-next-level-hi-fi-axpona-23/ /audiophile/events/borresen-aavik-ansuz-axxess-next-level-hi-fi-axpona-23/#respond Sat, 22 Apr 2023 03:15:35 +0000 /?p=1250 Next Level HiFi is a high-end audio dealer serving the Chicagoland area from their showroom in Wayne, Illinois. At the head of their hi-fi activities is Tyler and Dana Mueller, who have become quite renowned for their audio show exhibits. Somehow, always finding a clear path to consistent and honest sound no matter the show […]

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Next Level HiFi is a high-end audio dealer serving the Chicagoland area from their showroom in Wayne, Illinois. At the head of their hi-fi activities is Tyler and Dana Mueller, who have become quite renowned for their audio show exhibits. Somehow, always finding a clear path to consistent and honest sound no matter the show terrain. Here at Axpona 2023 the noted hi-fi power-couple were supported by Audio Group Denmark, the umbrella company that is the source of the Børresen, Aavik, Ansuz, and Axxess brands.

On display: speakers from Børresen, electronics from Aavik, electronics from Axxess, and cables from Ansuz.

Reporting by Eric Franklin Shook

Definitely one of the most hyped and buzzworthy exhibits at Axpona 2023, our sneak peek the new flagship Børresen M3 ($280,000 pr USD) loudspeaker. This is the larger brother and floorstander to accompany the smaller Børresen M1 ($100,000 pr USD) that we covered in Florida back in February.

The new M3 speakers were supported by an Aavik D-580 ($40,000 USD) digital-to-analog converter, new C-880 ($70,000 USD) preamplifier, and new P-880 ($70,000 USD) power amplifier. Tethered with Ansuz‘ flagship Gold Signature series cables throughout the system.

AXPONA

In a smaller exhibit space, the world premiere of the new Axxess Forté 1 ($5,500 USD) all-in-one. The new Axxess Forté is a streaming amplifier series consisting of three levels, Axxess Forté 1, 2 ($8k) and 3 ($11k). They all feature both a streamer and a DAC section, as well as being an integrated amplifier and a headphone amplifier.

Axxess is the fourth brand in the Audio Group Denmark family, side by side with Ansuz, Aavik, and Børresen.

The new entry-level Børresen X3 ($11,000 pr USD) rounded out the high-value system, while exhibiting nothing less than we expect sonically from the now quartet of brands under the Audio Group Denmark name.

AXPONA

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Linear Tube Audio, PureAudioProject, Anticables | AXPONA 2023 /audiophile/events/linear-tube-audio-pureaudioproject-anticables-axpona-23/ /audiophile/events/linear-tube-audio-pureaudioproject-anticables-axpona-23/#respond Sat, 22 Apr 2023 02:19:54 +0000 /?p=1239 Linear Tube Audio is a high-fidelity audio manufacturing company based in Takoma Park, Maryland. The heart of all LTA amplifiers is the patented Berning output transformerless ZOTL technology. Sonically, this delivers the best of both worlds: tube tone and solid state detail. Each unit is expertly built by hand in the United States. Reporting by […]

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Linear Tube Audio is a high-fidelity audio manufacturing company based in Takoma Park, Maryland. The heart of all LTA amplifiers is the patented Berning output transformerless ZOTL technology. Sonically, this delivers the best of both worlds: tube tone and solid state detail. Each unit is expertly built by hand in the United States.

Reporting by Eric Franklin Shook

For Axpona 2023, LTA was showing with PureAudioProject, Innuos, and Anticables. Similar to the room featuring Fern & Roby speakers at Axpona, it was the amplifier power from LTA that had us mesmerized. The LTA UltraLinear+ Integrated Amplifier ($7,650 USD). Doling out ~20 watts per channel, which is remarkably ample for speakers 88db sensitive and above. Features abound, with both high and low gain headphone outputs, stereo subwoofer connections, and an optional MM/MC phono stage.

AXPONA

Also showing, in the nude, an LTA pre-production prototype DAC that is scheduled for release (fully clothed) in 2023.

This is the second time I’ve heard this prototype DAC and each time I’ve been wowed by its natural performances. The price for this DAC is yet to be determined, and specs are not yet published.

PureAudioProject Duet15 Prelude open-baffle-speakers ($6,490 USD) are anything but entry-level, but they do represent the smallest offering from the PAP product lineup. Soundwise, there is no smaller sound from PAP open-baffle-speakers. Though, I can see this loudspeaker being less imposing as it barely takes up more real estate than a pair of stand-mounted monitors.

Using the Voxativ AC-1.6 full range driver and large 15-inch woofer, the Duet15 represents a truly insightful full-range experience. The Ferrite magnet and light Japanese paper cone of the AC-1.6 driver is what makes this loudspeaker an instant classic. Its build quality is top-notch and sound is realistic, smooth, full-body, transparent, with all the clarity, resolution and a beautiful sonic finesse. This driver is a natural match with the Duet15 design.

All cabiling sourced from Anticables.

AXPONA

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Fern & Roby, LTA, Weiss, Black Cat Cable | AXPONA 2023 /audiophile/events/fern-roby-lta-weiss-black-cat-cable-axpona-23/ /audiophile/events/fern-roby-lta-weiss-black-cat-cable-axpona-23/#respond Sat, 22 Apr 2023 01:21:43 +0000 /?p=1226 Fern & Roby is a Richmond, Virginia based maker of speakers, audio furniture, turntables, and electronics. Here at Axpona 2023 they were showing with Linear Tube Audio (LTA) system electronics, Weiss digital conversion (DAC) , and Black Cat Cable. Reporting by Eric Franklin Shook Fern & Roby founder Chris Hildebrand was showing two familiar pairs […]

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Fern & Roby is a Richmond, Virginia based maker of speakers, audio furniture, turntables, and electronics. Here at Axpona 2023 they were showing with Linear Tube Audio (LTA) system electronics, Weiss digital conversion (DAC) , and Black Cat Cable.

Reporting by Eric Franklin Shook

Fern & Roby founder Chris Hildebrand was showing two familiar pairs of speakers in a rather unfamiliar way. The Raven III ($8,500 USD) loudspeakers are a full range, floor standing speaker with a modest footprint. Basically, a slightly larger version of the Raven II bookshelf speakers also on display, but with more bass.

The Raven II ($6,750 USD / smaller) as you can see in the pictures below however is not positioned on a bookshelf, but rather a clever set of angled floorstanding… stands. At first I was fooled into thinking that Hildebrand had kept a new floor standing model secret, but alas, no foolery here. It was his own customers who found that placing the smaller Raven II on the floor with makeshift stands resulted in pleasing results when bookshelf placement was not optimal.

AXPONA

During the Axpona 2023 show the Raven III and Raven II were swapped in-and-out of the system. Even Hildebrand wasn’t sure which of the two he preferred most in the exhibit space. As for myself, I can make a strong case for using either in the system as a floorstander.

Also showing, a Fern & Roby Montrose Heirloom Turntable w/ Schroder CB Tonearm ($14,500 USD) and LTA Internal Phono Stage w/SUT as a $1,500 option. Mounted with a Sculpture A: A 3P Ebony cartridge ($4,535 USD).

Digital was handled by a Weiss DAC501 ($9,645 USD) digital-to-analog converter, known among our writers to be one of the best sounding options on the market, irregardless of price, and good with headphones.

Powering the whole affair, a recently updated (as of 2021), LTA Z40i+ Integrated Amplifier ($7,650 USD). Doling out ~51 watts per channel, which is remarkably ample for speakers 85db sensitive and above. Features abound, with both high and low gain headphone outputs, stereo subwoofer connections, and an optional MM/MC phono stage.

Fern & Roby was also showing their Ash Equipment Rack ($6,500 USD) which measures 48-inches wide by 22-inches deep. Made in Richmond from welded steel and ash wood slabs.

Rounding out the display, several Fern & Roby made accessories like the Brass 630 Gram LP record weight ($135 USD) and Isolation Feet ($425 USD / set of four).

All cabling for the exhibit system was sourced from Black Cat Cable.

AXPONA

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AXPONA 2023 | PREVIEW /audiophile/events/axpona-2023-preview/ /audiophile/events/axpona-2023-preview/#respond Sun, 09 Apr 2023 18:27:22 +0000 /?p=1174 The INDULGR team of high-end audio writers and experts will be attending Axpona 2023 in full force. Our coverage will begin on Friday April, 14th at the beginning of the show and continue through the coming weeks. Expect a wide array of coverage from not only the audio exhibitions, but also from around the event […]

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The INDULGR team of high-end audio writers and experts will be attending Axpona 2023 in full force. Our coverage will begin on Friday April, 14th at the beginning of the show and continue through the coming weeks. Expect a wide array of coverage from not only the audio exhibitions, but also from around the event area. Chicago will be our playground.

AXPONA (Audio Expo North America), the largest consumer audio show in North America, returns to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel April 14-16. Longtime exhibitors and partners will be joined by more than 25 new manufacturers and dealers making their debut at the 2023 show, offering music lovers and audiophiles the very latest products in the industry.

AXPONA 2023

AXPONA is known for featuring world-renowned brands and manufacturers, showcasing the most innovative products and services in the high-end audio industry. It is the place where manufacturers and dealers unveil their latest offerings, in a wide variety of price points and mediums.

AXPONA Schedule
Friday, April 14 10am-6pm
Saturday, April 15 10am-6pm
Sunday, April 16 10am-4pm

Open to the public, AXPONA offers a variety of ticket options for attendees.

TICKETS

1 Day – $25 online, $30 onsite
2 Day – $40 online, $60 onsite
3 Day – $50 online, $90 onsite
Student Pass – $10

First Time Exhibitors

The following is a summary of first-time exhibitors that will be at AXPONA 2023, representing a number of product categories including Electronics, Speakers, Turntables, Headphones, and more: Michell Audio, Alex Sound Technology, Alma Audio, AM Belgium, ampsandsound, Audio Craftsmen, Audio-Ultra, Dieses Audio, Grimm Audio, Gestalt Audio Design, American Audio and Video, Just Audio, LCH Audio, Linn, Monarch Systems, Nexus Audio Technologies, Phillips Design, Phonia, Plinius Audio, Sea Wave Acoustic, Serhan Swift, RAAL-requisite, Theoretica Applied Physics, Tom Christiansen Audio, Treehause Audiolab, Volumio, Wathen Audiophile.

New Product Debuts!

The following is a summary of cornerstone exhibitors that will be at AXPONA 2023, showing NEW and never-before-seen products at AXPONA 2023, so take note. These high-end audio brands represent just a portion — and the backbone — of the high-end audio industry that will be in attendance. Product categories including Electronics, Speakers, Turntables, Headphones, and more: Acora Acoustics, Alta Audio, Infigo Audio, Primare, Stenheim, ATC, Luxman, Ikigai Audio, Focal, Ansuz, Aavik, Børresen, Axxess, Zesto Audio, Harmonic Resolution Systems, Qualiton, Merason, QLN, Vinnie Rossi, Synergistic Research, AudioShield, Credo Audio Switzerland, EMM Labs, Van den Hul, YG Acoustics, Triangle Speakers, Electrocompaniet, Ferrum, Gryphon Audio, Avantgarde Acoustic, Axiss Audio, Studio Electric, Iconoclast Cables, Estelon, JansZen Audio, Magico, Soul Note, Westminster Lab, Nordost, Sonner Audio, Rethm Speakers… and that’s just to name a few.

AXPONA 2023

In addition to incredible new products debuting at AXPONA, the show also features three jam-packed days of incredible sounds, technology, and presentations.

AXPONA’s state-of-the-art venue will feature

All general admission tickets grant access to the exhibits including Listening Rooms and Exhibit Hall, as well as educational seminars, live music, and special events. For more information on ticketing and ticketing options, please visit the link here.

About our show coverage sponsor

ModWright Instruments

“ModWright was founded in 2000 as a company producing modifications to digital products. The mods were cost-effective, yet a high quality alternative for the audio enthusiast. Born from this, our Truth series of modifications, utilizing tube analog stages, won ModWright Instruments worldwide acclaim and led us to the next step: building our own equipment.

The ModWright 9.0 series of preamplifiers was introduced in 2003, continuing the trend of high performance audio with an emphasis on quality and value. This included a phono preamplifier and later a balanced tube linestage in the LS 36.5. In 2009 we proudly released the KWA 150 amplifier to round out a complete ModWright electronics system.

We have continued on this path of building high quality and high value audio equipment, designed to provide the most natural and satisfying musical experience. We pride ourselves as much on the quality of our work as on our level of service and customer satisfaction. As founder of ModWright Instruments, I strive to maintain the message within our mission statement: Elegance. Simplicity. Truth.”

—Dan Wright, President, ModWright Instruments, Inc.

AXPONA 2023

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