As an audio expert, Axpona, or Audio Expo North America, is a paradise. I spent Saturday, Day 2, basking in the sonic bliss of some of the world’s finest audio brands and stumbled upon a few hidden gems. Here’s the rundown of my favorite moments:
The Open-Baffle Wonders
On Day 2, I usually start on the top floor and work my way down, so my first stop was the Pure Audio Project room on the 16th floor. They had a tidy setup with their Duet15 speaker ($6500), a beefy Pass Labs integrated, and source electronics from Mojo Audio. Their open-baffle speakers never disappoint, with an airy, expansive soundstage that makes the music feel alive. It was a treat to experience just how well-controlled and articulate their speakers can be.
Speaking of open baffle speakers, another pair that caught my attention was the LX521.4MG system from Linkwitz Lab($23,900). While not for everyone due to their somewhat unorthodox setup (you must use the included amp/speaker cables to power them), these speakers produced some of the most transparent and precise sounds I have ever heard.
Axpona Day 2: Giants of the Industry
Powerhouse brands like Avantgarde, Vivid Audio, and Yamaha also delivered the goods. Avantgarde’s horn speakers are always a spectacle for the eyes and ears and their new Mezzo G3 ($75,000) was no exception. This semi-active speaker was partially driven by some Phasemation MA5000 mono tube amps (about $148,000 a pair), and while the sound wasn’t quite what I remember in past rooms, it was still an impressive-looking display.
Speaking of impressive displays, Vivid Audio continues to push the envelope of speaker design with its visually striking (and sonically astounding) models. This time, they had the flagship version of their Giya speakers, the Giya G1 Spirit, and they were something to behold (and listen to). They had them dialed in pretty well with some substantial Audionet Heisenberg monoblocks ($105000 pr.) and an Audionet Stern line stage ($48950), amongst some other things, and that system sang!
Also on my ‘must-visit’ list were YG Acoustics, ATC, and MBL rooms. YG Acoustics continues to be a benchmark for precision, accuracy, and incredible build quality. The system, comprised of their Sonja 3.2 speakers ($99k) and Linn’s KLIMAX DSM streamer($92k)/KLIMAX SOLO 800 monoblocks ($90k/pr-American debut), seemed like the future of hi-fi to me, combining massive metal towers with a network-connected three-box setup. The sound wasn’t half bad either, even though the setup was probably too large for the hotel suite it was in.
On the 15th floor, ATC had a special 50th-anniversary set up on display, comprised of a limited edition active standmount speaker (SCM20ASL-$13999/pr.) and a limited edition 12-inch active sub (C4 Sub Mk2-$9999). As usual, the professional-turned-audiophile speakers from this British brand retained their usual studio heritage of neutrality and power, and this was one of the cleanest sound systems I heard all day. If you want a pair of these speakers, which come in the signature ATC dark blue lacquer, you had better jump on them because they are only making 150 pairs. The subwoofers will be even more scarce as they are only making 20 of those.
Finally, MBL, with their visually striking omnidirectional designs never fails to amaze listeners with their ability to fill the room with incredible detail and precision. I was in love with both their Small and Large setups, as both provided
Axpona Discoveries and Delights
With their impressive power and control, Vinnie Rossi’s BRAMA line of electronics has become a mainstay in many audio shows, and it’s easy to see why. His room is always a great listen. Last time, I remember the BRAMA integrated being the star of the show, but this time he had the BRAMA Gen 2 Preamp ($38995) and Monoblocks ($59995/pr) on demo along with a pair of YG Acoustics Hailey 3 speakers ($63400/pr) and some Innous/Mola Mola source components. If I had to describe this system briefly, it would be dynamic and balanced. It sounded very natural, unlike many other systems, which seemed to have a “show” sound, basically tuned to wow you over a brief listening period.
I also had the pleasure of discovering some nice stuff from Fyne Audio, PMC, and Amphion. The Fyne Audio F703SP ($19999)/Primaluna room impressed me with its articulate and balanced sound for the price point.
Like ATC, PMC’s speakers have a heritage of professional studio pedigree and bring that sense of accuracy to their domestic offerings. Their Fenstria speakers ($89999) were jamming with a massive $126000 system from Esoteric. Additionally, Amphion’s beautiful Krypton3x ($24000/pr) speakers surprised me with their ability to disappear into the room and present a vast soundstage when connected with an Esoteric F-02 integrated ($18000).
Axpona Day 2: The Takeaway
Axpona Day 2 was a real treat. The mix of legendary brands, innovative newcomers, and hidden gems left me sonically satisfied and inspired. Stay tuned for my list of Favorite Rooms and New and Extraordinary Rooms!
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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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