Results 1 to 50 of 54
Thread: My Thoughts on Axpona
-
April 25, 2015, 08:42 PM #1
My Thoughts on Axpona
Axpona as a consumer show is starting to pick up steam or grow some legs if you will. Some things they do very well compared to RMAF. For instance, they don't make you wait until the day of the show (and right before the show starts to boot) in order to pick up your badge. I never understood why RMAF enjoyed the cattle call unless they just want to have some long lines to take pictures of. But then as others have astutely pointed out, when they take the pictures of everyone standing in line waiting to get their badges, it looks like an AARP meeting promising free food getting ready to start. So kudos to Axpona for giving out the badges early. And, if you have always dreamed of being a VIP once in your life, it can be had for an additional $20 at Axpona. I saw plenty of people who had VIP badges at the show. There were some perks that went along with having a badge that proclaimed you as a VIP. One of them was a special lounge set aside for the VIPs that had free coffee. Apparently the free coffee was pretty bogus tasting as one of the VIPs I met (Peter from Canada who posts on this forum) was standing in line with me at the Starbucks Cantina in order to get some half-decent coffee.
Another thing that Axpona has is security guards stationed on each floor by the elevators. I assume this is in case anyone tries to steal a pair of 450 lb speakers and run down the hall with them and tries to get on the elevator to make their great escape. Judging by the physical condition of most of the security guards I saw on the floors, I'm not sure they could have caught someone running with a 450 lb pair of speakers.
Axpona appears to me to have roughly half as many exhibitors (or less) than what you see at RMAF. To put this in perspective, I'm pretty sure all of the exhibitors at Axpona would fit in one wing of the Marriott used for RMAF and still have some rooms left over. I showed up on Friday morning about 30 minutes before the show started and I felt like I pretty much saw everything I wanted to see by the end of the first day. If I hadn't missed the ARC/SF room on the 12th floor that Mike was raving about, I might have called it quits. I went back this morning to hear the ARC/SF room and I'm glad I did. Easily the best of show for me. Maybe the best of any show I have attended as it was that good. Compared to that room, everyone else was pretty much making noise while the ARC/SF room was making real music. There were a few rooms that were decent, but I was pretty disappointed by most rooms. They were playing both analog (LPs) and digital in the ARC/SF room and everything they played sounded great when I was sitting there. That was the only room that I heard at the show that I would trade my system for (meaning the sound I get in my room with my system). Obviously it's a bitch trying to pull off great sound in a hotel room even if the gear is mega expensive. And to be fair, most rooms sound better on the second day of shows than they do on the first day.
The good news is that Axpona is growing and getting better. There are still plenty more floors available for this show to grow (floors 6-11). The people at the Westin couldn't be nicer and everyone seemed to genuinely care about all of the guests and ensuring the show went off without a hitch. It was a first-class operation and they should be proud of that. I would also say that on average, people who attended the show didn't yak as much in the rooms while you were trying to listen as so often is the case at RMAF. That was most appreciated by me.Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
-
April 25, 2015, 08:48 PM #2
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Mark...thanks for your thoughts So apart from the ARC and SF Lilium room, you said there were a few others that were decent. Which ones in particular? Any single product or trend stand out for you at the show?
Cyril
Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system
-
April 25, 2015, 08:49 PM #3
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
I just missed Apoxna this year, had to cancel at the last minute.
Know how Apoxna compares to NYAS, which I've been to twice?
Allen
-
April 25, 2015, 09:07 PM #4
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
The Raidho room playing their step-child pair of Scansonic $3,500 speakers was really good. For $3,500, I thought those speakers were damn good. Great midrange, and surprisingly good bass for their size. And, they had good depth. I would have loved to have heard them with a Class A/B amp playing something besides PCM files and of course analog. One trend I saw was way more people playing DSD files. Also the Martin Logan Neolith speakers sounded very good.Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
-
April 25, 2015, 09:09 PM #5
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
-
April 25, 2015, 09:39 PM #6
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Mark - good write up. We seem to agree in our observations.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
April 25, 2015, 10:12 PM #7
- Join Date
- Jan 2014
- Location
- Los Angeles
- Posts
- 1,775
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Mark, nicely said. I will go further and say its not just the room, but that lifeless, detail oriented sound is in vogue for many.
Brinkmann Bardo w/ EMT HSD-006 cart, MSB Reference DAC --> Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL --> Ampzilla 2000, 2nd Edition --> Fyne Audio F1-12
-
April 25, 2015, 11:38 PM #8
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
April 25, 2015, 11:49 PM #9
- Join Date
- Mar 2014
- Location
- Chicago
- Posts
- 1,234
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Nice report Mark. I was really impressed by the Optical Cartridge used on the AMG in the ARC/SF room. I heard it directly A/B-ed on the same track with the two arm Innovation using a Goldfinger in the Octave/M Project room and it was much closer than I expected. It was the find of the show for me. Pretty cool technology.
-
April 25, 2015, 11:58 PM #10
- Join Date
- Nov 2014
- Location
- Ft. Worth, TX
- Posts
- 309
Tannoy Westminster GR and ST-200 Supertweeter, Finale Audio 300B Mono's, Thoress Full Function Preamp, Thoress 845 Mono's, Found Music 2A3 Mono's, , Line Magnetic 219IA, Lumin A1, Lumin U1, EMM Labs DAC-2X, Lampizator Golden Atlantic DAC, Sansui TU-717, Kenwood KT-7500, Belden 8402 IC's, Duelund 16GA speaker wire
-
April 25, 2015, 11:59 PM #11
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
April 26, 2015, 12:00 AM #12
- Join Date
- Nov 2014
- Location
- Ft. Worth, TX
- Posts
- 309
Tannoy Westminster GR and ST-200 Supertweeter, Finale Audio 300B Mono's, Thoress Full Function Preamp, Thoress 845 Mono's, Found Music 2A3 Mono's, , Line Magnetic 219IA, Lumin A1, Lumin U1, EMM Labs DAC-2X, Lampizator Golden Atlantic DAC, Sansui TU-717, Kenwood KT-7500, Belden 8402 IC's, Duelund 16GA speaker wire
-
April 26, 2015, 12:59 AM #13
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Well that's just to show you that we all have different preferences, I thought the Volti room was very unimpressive. Boomy bass and lackluster presentation. I hated the Scansonic, full of distortion that would rip your ears off. Might sound impressive at first because of the size and price but I'm pretty sure you would get tired of it pretty quickly.
Speakers: Magico M-Project w/MPods
Amps: CAT Legend -> CAT JL7s
Analog: Kronos Pro Limited Edition / Black Beauty tonearm / Zyx Universe Premium, Ortofon A95
Digital: Roon->Vivaldi DAC/Upsampler
Cables/Power: Kubala Sosna Elation ICs & SCs / Shunyata Denali 6000T & PC's / Furutech outlets
-
April 26, 2015, 01:06 AM #14
-
April 26, 2015, 08:30 AM #15
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Pretty much every room had boomy bass. Just some were far worse than others.
Pretty much the same thing could be said about the sound in all the rooms. Most were pretty bad, just which rooms sucked less.
This might be the first show that I left and there wasn't one piece of gear that I wanted to bring home to review. That said, it was a great show and the organizers did a marvelous job in putting this year's show together.
-
April 26, 2015, 08:41 AM #16
- Join Date
- Apr 2013
- Posts
- 966
My Thoughts on Axpona
Myles, any chance you'll get to review Nick's new Doshi tape pre? That's the piece I would be packing home with me if i could.
-
April 26, 2015, 09:14 AM #17
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
This was my first show so my bases for comparison are very limited. I spent a long time on both days in the ARC / SF room and I agree that nothing sounded better. The Reps stressed the very human presentation of the sound versus that of competitors. Down the hall, a pair of Aesthetix Atlas monoblocks were driving the Magico Q7, and something was off. It sounded bright and (by comparison) mechanical. I heard second-hand that they were working all night on Friday to improve the sound. (Meanwhile, in rm 550 the host had some big Octave tube amps driving a pair of M Series that sounded like heaven.) My best experience was at the tape event late on Friday night. Jeremy from MBL was playing his reel-to-reel mix tapes at high volume in low-lighting and it was bliss.
Magico M2
AMG V12 (Teatro cart)
Lampizator Atlantic Plus DSD512
Aesthetix Calypso Signature Preamp
Luxman C-900u Preamp
Auorasound VIDA (phono-stage)
Parasound JC 1+ monos
Aurender N100h
Nordost Frey 2
HRS, Rix Rax
-
April 26, 2015, 09:27 AM #18
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Hard to pick just one. The SF/ARC was awesome, the Vivid Giyas w/CAT just oozed musicality and the tiny YGs with Audionet/Kronos I could listen to all day.
There are still some rooms I didn't get to because I revisited some rooms several times (the above mentioned plus the Magico rooms).
I will have only an hour or so today before I have to leave.Speakers: Magico M-Project w/MPods
Amps: CAT Legend -> CAT JL7s
Analog: Kronos Pro Limited Edition / Black Beauty tonearm / Zyx Universe Premium, Ortofon A95
Digital: Roon->Vivaldi DAC/Upsampler
Cables/Power: Kubala Sosna Elation ICs & SCs / Shunyata Denali 6000T & PC's / Furutech outlets
-
April 26, 2015, 09:51 AM #19
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Funny that some of us love the same rooms and yet we are 180 out on other rooms. Ian, what music was playing when you heard the Scansonic's playing and they were "full of distortion that would rip your ears off?" When I heard them, they were playing music that was suited for them at appropriate playback levels. Did somebody request some death metal played back at 120 dB?
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
-
April 26, 2015, 09:56 AM #20
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
So again, we have total agreement on the SF/ARC room and no agreement on the Giyas/CAT room. The Giya/CAT room didn't gel for me. I have heard that amp sound better and I'm pretty sure I have heard the Giya family of speakers sound better, but I'm not a big Giya fan in the first place. I think the Giya speakers like SS amps better than they like tube amps. I have never seen Philip demo them with tubes.
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
-
April 26, 2015, 10:04 AM #21
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
We have agreement on the SF/ARC room. The Q7 with Atlas amps didn't gel for me either. The sum total of the sound didn't equal the cost of the system. Here is where we diverge though. You thought the M Pro"sounded like heaven" and many of us that heard them thought the room sounded bad. The sound was thin, thin, and then thin some more. Does that mean the M Pros are thin and they won't sound great carefully placed in someone's listening room with the right gear? I sure hope not and given Magico's reputation for building great speakers, I doubt it.
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
-
April 26, 2015, 10:20 AM #22
- Join Date
- Feb 2014
- Posts
- 426
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Magico need warm, tube-like ss amps such as Vitus or big tube amps such as Absolare, VTL or CJ Art/Gat, otherwise they can sound unmusical. The Atlas mono's are quite good for the money, but should be matched with an Aesthetix Janus Signature of partial Eclipse for best synergy. Or if we're talking about tube hybrid amps, Tenor would spank them! .
-
April 26, 2015, 10:25 AM #23
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Rob
__________________________
Tascam BR-20; Technics 1506 with tape path upgrades, FM head, DeHavilland 222 tape head pre; Modwright Oppo 205 full tube mod w/LPS; Euphony Summus server, EtherRegen, HDPLEX LPS; MSB Discrete DAC (dual PS, ISLPro, balanced out); Pass Labs XP-12, XA60.8 (pair); Daedalus Audio Apollo 11’s, VMPS Larger Sub; Daedalus/Wywires, Acoustic Zen, Sablon Audio, Wireworld, Shunyata Research cables; Core Power Equi=Power;
Adona rack, Stillpoints, IsoPods, ASC, GIK Acoustics accessories
-
April 26, 2015, 10:32 AM #24
My Thoughts on Axpona
I was thinking the same thing, but I will admit there is such a thing as speaker/amp mismatch, but we seem to be just making excuses for now. Let's just give it more time until we've had a chance to hear them in more venues. I've only ever heard two speakers over $200,000 worthy of their asking price: Raidho D5's and MBL 101 Xtremes.
IMHO I think the S7 is the Magico speaker to watch and it will sonically and financially have much broader appeal.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
April 26, 2015, 10:34 AM #25
- Join Date
- Feb 2014
- Posts
- 426
-
April 26, 2015, 10:44 AM #26
- Join Date
- Feb 2014
- Posts
- 426
-
April 26, 2015, 10:51 AM #27
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Really, I don't find it humorous-sickly or otherwise. Even cheap speakers need to be mated to an amplifier that is 'right' for them. Some speakers demand to be run by SS due to their inherent design characteristics while others shine with tubes and yet others will shine with either. The Atlas amps used with the Q7s are hybrid amps with a tube input and SS output stage. They have garnered good reviews. Are the Atlas amps to blame for the less than spectacular showing of the Q7 speakers? Why not look elsewhere in the system and the room?
As I have said before, it's nothing short of miraculous that anyone can set up a system in a hotel room and get great sound. Most of the best rooms that I have heard over the last few years at shows have been in rooms that were much larger than the typical hotel room. The Magico Q7 room was a large room and so was the ARC/SF room. The ARC people pulled off a miracle and created a system that played music beautifully and showed what this crazy hobby is all about. The Magico Q7 room as well as the Magico M Pro room were busts by comparison (with the Q7 room being better sounding than the M Pro room).Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
-
April 26, 2015, 11:17 AM #28
- Join Date
- Mar 2014
- Location
- Chicago
- Posts
- 1,234
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
I am curious if the views on the Magico M came from vinyl, the Vivaldi stack, or both? I felt the vinyl (Goldfinger or Optical) was significantly better than the digital. It seemed something was just not right in the Vivaldi chain. To me the difference was striking. On the other hand I found the Q7's hard to listen to regardless of source including the hundred billion dollar ClearAudio Statement TT that comes stock with the Goldfinger and can also shake a Martini.
-
April 26, 2015, 11:21 AM #29
- Join Date
- Mar 2014
- Location
- Chicago
- Posts
- 1,234
-
April 26, 2015, 11:25 AM #30
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
The Lilium combines the soul of the old Sonus Faber, gorgeous modern, slim look, with some fabulous new technology, bass adjustability and precision sound. The GS150 added texture and tonality. It was, as I said on day one, the best room so far and in the end, the best room period.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
April 26, 2015, 11:43 AM #31
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
NORMAN
Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.
-
April 26, 2015, 11:44 AM #32
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
I have heard those. Meh. Not my cup of tea.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
April 26, 2015, 11:47 AM #33
My Thoughts on Axpona
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
April 26, 2015, 11:50 AM #34
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Paul-I heard it with both cartridges. Something is wrong with their Goldfinger. Either the cartridge isn't setup correctly or it's damaged. The optical cartridge sounded better than the Goldfinger, but it didn't sound really good. However, ARC was using the same optical cartridge to stunning effect in their room. The bottom line is that the M Pro room was a bust for me regardless of the reason(s) why.
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
-
April 26, 2015, 11:51 AM #35
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
NORMAN
Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.
-
April 26, 2015, 11:52 AM #36
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
April 26, 2015, 11:52 AM #37
- Join Date
- Mar 2014
- Location
- Chicago
- Posts
- 1,234
-
April 26, 2015, 11:53 AM #38
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
That's what I'm talking about! That's the kind of feelings/emotion the ARC/SF room engendered in lots of people who heard the room. I know it took me to a whole other level of sound quality.
The fact that they pulled this off under show conditions was simply stunning. I know that Myles said Axpona left him with the feeling there was nothing he heard that made him want to take something home and review it. I would pack up the entire ARC/SF room and take it home with me if I could.Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
-
April 26, 2015, 11:56 AM #39
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
-
April 26, 2015, 12:05 PM #40
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Probably the Logos 1 and 2.
These Anattas have similar sound signature to the ProLogos and are active/wireless with the Alize 7 Dac built in too. Thus the Mimesis is a digital preamp that "feeds" it wirelessly.
If you ever get a chance to hear these, do so. The most impressive demo I have ever hear with Goldmund gear. Full Leoonardo/Proteus DRC implementation.NORMAN
Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.
-
April 26, 2015, 12:33 PM #41
- Join Date
- Oct 2013
- Location
- Sacramento
- Posts
- 1,129
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Please everyone, stop praising the ARC/SF room. It is cruel and unusual punishment. Now I really want to hear them but they won't be at T.H.E. Show in Newport Beach. At least they are not on the exhibitors list.
I wonder if the rapid succession of shows is too much. Axpona (4/24-4/26) followed by Munich (5/14-5/17) and then Newport (5/29-5/31). It might be tricky to get large speakers etc. across the Atlantic and entire continent guaranteed on time delivery and at a reasonable cost. Remember there is at least one tear-down day and one set-up day that need to be squeezed in.
I am not even talking about wear and tear on the exhibitors. I am amazed they can keep in such good spirits. I hope show attendees appreciate what a drag it is to be "the other guy".
-
April 26, 2015, 12:36 PM #42
-
April 26, 2015, 12:57 PM #43Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
-
April 26, 2015, 12:57 PM #44
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
They were playing some orchestral track very very loud and the flutes were piercing. I think if it wasn't so loud it would have been better. I couldn't take it and had to leave. I guess in hindsight it was just a bad first impression and otherwise not fair to criticize. I'm also pretty sensitive to distortion.
Speakers: Magico M-Project w/MPods
Amps: CAT Legend -> CAT JL7s
Analog: Kronos Pro Limited Edition / Black Beauty tonearm / Zyx Universe Premium, Ortofon A95
Digital: Roon->Vivaldi DAC/Upsampler
Cables/Power: Kubala Sosna Elation ICs & SCs / Shunyata Denali 6000T & PC's / Furutech outlets
-
April 26, 2015, 01:08 PM #45
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Jim
D'Agostino Momentum M-400's MxV’s & HD Pre-amp
Wilson Alexandria X2 Series 2 speakers
Digital: dCS Vivaldi APEX DAC, Clock & Upsampler
Analog: SME 20/3 with Esoteric E-03 Phono
Transparent Opus Speaker Cable & Interconnects & Opus Power Cords
Power Cords on Digital: Shunyata
Power Conditioner - Shunyata Everest
-
April 26, 2015, 01:53 PM #46
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Seems like the SF Lilium's were many people's favorite for Best Sound at Show. What's the list of the Lilium's?
Allen
-
April 26, 2015, 01:55 PM #47My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
April 26, 2015, 01:57 PM #48
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Wow! and what do the Strads go for?
Allen
-
April 26, 2015, 02:00 PM #49
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
Speakers - Magico S5mk2 Integrated - Vitus SIA-025 Analog - Vpi Prime Signature/Ortofon Cadenza Bronze Digital - Lumin A1
Power - Shunyata Denali 6000S/Alpha HC/Alpha Digital Cables - Kimber KS-6063/Nordost Frey IC
-
April 26, 2015, 02:04 PM #50
Re: My Thoughts on Axpona
They cost 44k last I knew
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkSpeakers - Magico S5mk2 Integrated - Vitus SIA-025 Analog - Vpi Prime Signature/Ortofon Cadenza Bronze Digital - Lumin A1
Power - Shunyata Denali 6000S/Alpha HC/Alpha Digital Cables - Kimber KS-6063/Nordost Frey IC
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
Yes, the Digital Director was used in that setup with MSB monoblocks, and Magico M2's.
GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter