The AXPONA 2023 show has begun with a bang, featuring over 500 exhibitors and brands, along with more than 200 interactive listening spaces, seminars, master classes, concerts, and a record fair. The event is again being held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois.
The first day of the event saw many iconic brands on display, including Bowers & Wilkins, JBL, Klipsch, McIntosh, MoFi Electronics, Technics, and Yamaha. The place (and listening rooms) were packed from the beginning, proving the pandemic hangover I experienced last year was officially over. Although, I admit I didn’t expect such a turnout on an 80-degree Friday in Chicago.
That said, It was good to see my home show humming again. The U.S. audio fans need AXPONA, as it’s our biggest extravaganza. It’s THE place for us to see the latest and greatest. For the first time, I also noticed that AXPONA 2023 was a global show. There were a lot of folks from all over the world brought together by the love of music. It was a great thing.
AXPONA 2023: Show Highlights
Highlights were abundant at the show, including the premiere of DALI’s new KORE flagship speakers, PS Audio’s new Aspen speakers (which looked great), and Andrew Jones’ latest creations, the SourcePoint 8, which is the little brother of the well-received SourcePoint 10.
AUDEZE also showcased their new $399 MM-100 headphone, which seems like a fantastic value after my short time with it. Q Acoustics’ also brought out their new 5000 Series speakers for the first time, and they looked impressive!
Additionally, Ohio-based SVS showcased its Prime Wireless Pro Powered Speakers (review coming soon) and Prime Passive Speakers in two rooms, one dedicated to a Dolby Atmos Home Theater Demo. As usual, they brought the boom to the show with their excellent subs.
Speaking of Powered Speakers, Devaliet had a new set of bookshelf speakers at AXPONA, and it was my first time seeing this style of speaker from them.
There was a lot of eye-opening stuff at the show, and I can’t wait to get some extended listening time at the casa. I’ll be working the phone and email a lot in the upcoming weeks lining that up.
I have much more coverage to come, so make sure you subscribe to the site and our socials to get all the updates! If you’re in the area, head on over to the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel today or tomorrow (or both days) and listen to some great stuff!
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I’m an audio writer who started as a young audio salesman/consumer electronics professional back in the late 90s. That’s where I discovered the magic of 2-Channel sound. My hunger for great sound has led me on a delightful music quest that continues today.
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