Axpona 2018 - Memorable Rooms and Exciting New Products

Memorable Rooms:

The VAC/Von Schweikert room with Esoteric (digital) and Kronos (analog) in a massive 35 x 65 room was absolutely mind blowing. The sheer size and scale of the sound in a room that could accommodate was awesome to hear.

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The Avantgarde Trio room was gorgeously decorated with all the colors and accents blending perfectly. The Presidential Suite on the 16th floor was transformed into an Avantgarde Mecca. With Trio’s and a stack of bass horns, Zero XD’s and Uno XD’s. Awesome!

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Exciting New Products:

The ARC REF160M’s. Pictures don’t do them justice and the sound is intoxicating. Can’t wait to get them into a system I know.

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The Western Electric 91e. This 300b Integrated uses a new patented WE circuitry that’s capable of 22 Watts/channel in single ended mode.

The temporary case (for the show):

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The final product will be in this case:

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A nice pair of Avantgarde’s and a 91e anyone? Hmmm....me like!

Cambridge Audio Edge

A new integrated and a new amp/preamp/DAC combo using new biasing technology. Exciting product at a fair price.

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Verity Othelo Speakers

The fit and finish matches the sound. Gorgeous.

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The Bryston stacking including their active speakers using the external Bryston crossover with built in DSP and a new 6 channel Bryston amp. Awesome sound.

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Magico A3’s

I went to this room three days and it sounded amazing every day. They defy their price point. A grand slam home run.

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VAC 170iQ

Awesome looking, AMAZING sound and great price point ($9995 without Phono).

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Aurender Content Server

It looks like this product is getting ready for prime time. With its connectivity options, you will be able to attach it to a 12 CD disc feeder (or maybe two - TBD) and rip away!

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Certainly can’t argue w any of those Mike.

Well done Mike!

Mike,

Fantastic job as always!
What are the electronics in the Verity room?
Thanks,
Anshul

Quote:

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Originally Posted by apdoc2004

Mike,

Fantastic job as always!
What are the electronics in the Verity room?
Thanks,
Anshul

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Trilogy.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by joeinid

Well done Mike!

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Thanks Joe.


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Mike,

Did you hear any memorable speakers (beside Verity) that don't cost a kidney and need a barn-sized room?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dizzie

Mike,

Did you hear any memorable speakers (beside Verity) that don't cost a kidney and need a barn-sized room?

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Besides the Magico A3’s? I heard nothing better under $10k. Nothing.

I really liked the Bryston active speakers - Mini T. What a system! Removing the crossover and making it external, feeding it with a 6 channel amp (tweeter, mids, Bass), DSP to compensate for the hotel room was all awesome!

I’ll be honest, I had so much ground to cover that if I walked into a room and they had stupid little speakers the size of something for a desktop computer, I moved on. There were lots of those rooms. Just no interest. You want something that size? Buy the KEF LS50’s or Harbeth P3’s, not much better IMO.

On the stand mount side, the MBL’s were terrific in a small hotel room. Not sure of the price though.

The new Ryan standmounts were good too. The little DynAudios too.

Aside from that, I heard the regular culprits and nothing stood out for me. But let me give it some more thought, review my pictures and notes and I’ll let you know.

All in all, a fun show. The rooms were a little awkward by the way they were laid out. Just couldn’t get easy access in or out. But if you’re patient, you’ll get your turn.


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Hi Mike,
What about Lampi and Daedalus? Not worth mentioning?
Thanks,
Aziz

Mike, Thanks for your photos and comments.

We had conflicts with a play Friday and a concert tonight so your coverage is appreciated.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by abeidrov

Hi Mike,
What about Lampi and Daedalus? Not worth mentioning?
Thanks,
Aziz

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Sure, I heard it. Sounded nice. Would love to hear it again on my speakers.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mike

Besides the Magico A3’s? I heard nothing better under $10k. Nothing.

I really liked the Bryston active speakers - Mini T. What a system! Removing the crossover and making it external, feeding it with a 6 channel amp (tweeter, mids, Bass), DSP to compensate for the hotel room was all awesome!

I’ll be honest, I had so much ground to cover that if I walked into a room and they had stupid little speakers the size of something for a desktop computer, I moved on. There were lots of those rooms. Just no interest. You want something that size? Buy the KEF LS50’s or Harbeth P3’s, not much better IMO.

On the stand mount side, the MBL’s were terrific in a small hotel room. Not sure of the price though.

The new Ryan standmounts were good too. The little DynAudios too.

Aside from that, I heard the regular culprits and nothing stood out for me. But let me give it some more thought, review my pictures and notes and I’ll let you know.

All in all, a fun show. The rooms were a little awkward by the way they were laid out. Just couldn’t get easy access in or out. But if you’re patient, you’ll get your turn.


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Thanks Mike.

those Stenheim speakers with the Vac look awesome - I hope they start to make inroads with USA distribution.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mike

Besides the Magico A3’s? I heard nothing better under $10k. Nothing.

I’ll be honest, I had so much ground to cover that if I walked into a room and they had stupid little speakers the size of something for a desktop computer, I moved on. There were lots of those rooms. Just no interest. You want something that size? Buy the KEF LS50’s or Harbeth P3’s, not much better IMO.

All in all, a fun show. The rooms were a little awkward by the way they were laid out. Just couldn’t get easy access in or out. But if you’re patient, you’ll get your turn.

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Nice to briefly meet you at the show.

Agree on all the point above. The A3’s at 10k are really good, and for me they sounded best once the D’Agostino amp was brought in. My friend and I at the show made the same exact comment with respect to the small speakers, and why one wouldn’t just get LS50’s

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Originally Posted by KeithR

those Stenheim speakers with the Vac look awesome - I hope they start to make inroads with USA distribution.

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Hey Keith, I agree the Stenheims are excellent speakers--

Although I heard a comparative demo--same front end/etc with some Ocean Ways--I and couple of others present felt the OW's were more dynamic--

As the OW's are in your "backyard" maybe listen in order?

BruceD

Looks like it was a great show Mike , well attended too ....

I also wanted to add, that although I rarely attend the seminars these days, I made a special point of attending the John Atkinson seminar. John was celebrating 50 years in the hobby and just to hear him talk, honestly, yet diplomatically, was very quite entertaining. I have the utmost respect for John. He has been my favorite writer for quite some time. I love how he combines his listening experience with meaningful measurements. I also hold him in the highest regard in terms of professionalism and integrity. As honest as the day is long, he's also quite the visionary - seeing the importance of creating separate sections and sites for digital, headphones, analog and everything in between.

In his seminar, he discussed a variety of topics and took us on a brief journey through his career. He answered all the questions honestly and definitely left me with a sense of relief that he was still in charge at Stereophile after the acquisition and is still the same visionary and still working as hard as ever.

The seminar was being recorded and once posted online, I highly recommend watching it.

I shouldn't post this as Joe is subscribed. LOL

Also, I am eating a bit of crow as I have been on record as not being a fan of either ARC or Wilson. However, I have no problem with giving an honest opinion which often gets me into trouble.

With all that being said, and I rarely, if ever, can pick a best of show, it's just too hard with so much good stuff. This year is an exception. Mike is being modest about the 160M's Them driving the Alexa 2's were outstanding. Peter was there showing the difference between MQA and non-MQA on the same tracks. On a full orchestral piece that system hit so hard I was in disbelieve, what hit me :) The system also allowed the emotion to come through on prior Classical tracks played.

The first time I heard MQA. On one hand with MQA it seemed the tracks were smoother with better resolution. However, on the track I mentioned with the drum percussion I thought it hit harder without MQA. Maybe at that point I knew it was coming.

Back to my point, those 160M's are some bad ass amps, they can be sweet and gentle when called for and hit like Mike Tyson if needed. Though different times, different music, I'd still put the 106M's against most any amp I've heard in solid state or tube. I was absolutely impressed. Some bulk at the price of audio gear these days but in comparison, in my opinion the 106M's are a deal at $30k a set.

I wonder if anyone else heard that demo? That was a big room, that percussion from the drum hit me right in the chest. A hit like that from a tube amp......

Another observation at Axpona this year: digital ruled the roost.

Most of the rooms (90%??) were playing digital.

But ironically, the only room that gave me goosebumps was when the Zesto guys were playing Nat King Cole on vinyl. Ha!

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Tower Records... good memories; long gone. ☹️

That's awesome! I do have my eye on them but would only consider since they have auto bias and tube/amp protection built in. I have no doubt that they are spectacular and I bet a glorious match with my Ref 10.

:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

I shouldn't post this as Joe is subscribed. LOL

Also, I am eating a bit of crow as I have been on record as not being a fan of either ARC or Wilson. However, I have no problem with giving an honest opinion which often gets me into trouble.

With all that being said, and I rarely, if ever, can pick a best of show, it's just too hard with so much good stuff. This year is an exception. Mike is being modest about the 106M's Them driving the Alexa 2's were outstanding. Peter was there showing the difference between MQA and non-MQA on the same tracks. On a full orchestral piece that system hit so hard I was in disbelieve, what hit me :) The system also allowed the emotion to come through on prior Classical tracks played.

The first time I heard MQA. On one hand with MQA it seemed the tracks were smoother with better resolution. However, on the track I mentioned with the drum percussion I thought it hit harder without MQA. Maybe at that point I knew it was coming.

Back to my point, those 106M's are some bad ass amps, they can be sweet and gentle when called for and hit like Mike Tyson if needed. Though different times, different music, I'd still put the 106M's against most any amp I've heard in solid state or tube. I was absolutely impressed. Some bulk at the price of audio gear these days but in comparison, in my opinion the 106M's are a deal at $30k a set.

I wonder if anyone else heard that demo? That was a big room, that percussion from the drum hit me right in the chest. A hit like that from a tube amp......

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Anyone wonder into the Carver room? I liked what I heard. I need to read up on the 350 amp, the guy reached over and grabbed the tube to show how cool they run and they offer like a 4 year warranty on tubes. Their Line Source speaker seemed to do it's job as well.

I liked the Gobel speakers but just a note as they cost $140k.

The AQ and Kronzilla room was stellar sound.

Synergistic was using the S3 with a Constellation amp, I enjoyed that system. Along that thought, the A3 showed it is worthy of it's name tag and a top contender at it's price.

I did get to hear Vitus. Struck me as extremely transparent and detailed. No Ayre. Someone told me they held an off site event at a dealer.

I heard the Diablo. My friends heard it before me and thought it to be one of best at the show. My impression is more reserved, I'm not sure what the difference was. There was mention of some adjustment on the Gryphon speaker for tone. Perhaps it was changed, and, often times depending on music etc. impressions are different on visits to the same system. Speaking of that, I am a big fan of Thrax, and, have heard it impress. The guy showing their system this year brought terrible demo music.

I heard Constellation again with a set of Martin Logan, the sound was good. The Constellation sound I like.

I heard Einstein for the first time. The bass was very visceral, the highs and mids though were not as prominent. Is that a typical sound for them? We didn't investigate the system enough to speculate.

And on top of that, there were many many rooms playing CDs and not a streamer or hi res.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mike

Another observation at Axpona this year: digital ruled the roost.

Most of the rooms (90%??) were playing digital.

But ironically, the only room that gave me goosebumps was when the Zesto guys were playing Nat King Cole on vinyl. Ha!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c6bd314b95.jpg


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I know this is Avant Garde central here and for good reason, they are outstanding speakers. But I actually heard some other horn speakers at Axpona that I also liked a lot, Sadurni Acoustics Stacatto. Listened to some Eva Cassidy on them and they really drew me in, extremely natural sounding on female vocals. A definite thumbs up, in my opinion.

Ken

Quote:

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Originally Posted by the professor

And on top of that, there were many many rooms playing CDs and not a streamer or hi res.

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Hear, hear.

I always hear from file proponents that CD is dead, as also evidenced by the almost exclusive use of file players at shows. Can throw that one into the dustbin of nonsense.

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Originally Posted by Al M.

Hear, hear.

I always hear from file proponents that CD is dead, as also evidenced by the almost exclusive use of file players at shows. Can throw that one into the dustbin of nonsense.

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Just because you see people playing CD's at a Hi-Fi Show doesn't mean CD's are relevant to the listening masses. That is like going to a bowling convention and coming to the conclusion that bowling is relevant to everyone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKT5fvJ_otk

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Originally Posted by still-one

Just because you see people playing CD's at a Hi-Fi Show doesn't mean CD's are relevant to the listening masses. That is like going to a bowling convention and coming to the conclusion that bowling is relevant to everyone.

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Obviously this is not about the listening masses, but the high end. Vinyl is also still not exactly for the 'listening masses' despite the recent vast uptick in its popularity.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Al M.

Obviously this is not about the listening masses, but the high end. Vinyl is also still not exactly for the 'listening masses' despite the recent vast uptick in its popularity.

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I guess I don't understand your post #25. First you say you hear from file proponents that CD is dead, then you confirm that by indicating that file players are almost used exclusivly at audio shows. Aren't your friends audiophiles and are those attending the audio shows not audiophiles. You are correct CD's are dead, but they are dying fast and will become a niche product just like LP's.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by still-one

I guess I don't understand your post #25. First you say you hear from file proponents that CD is dead, then you confirm that by indicating that file players are almost used exclusivly at audio shows. Aren't your friends audiophiles and are those attending the audio shows not audiophiles. You are correct CD's are dead, but they are dying fast and will become a niche product just like LP's.

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Sorry for my unclear wording. I meant to say in #25:

I always hear from file proponents that CD is dead, for which they cite as evidence also the alleged almost exclusive use of file players at shows.

Hi Mike,

Did you hear the Spatial Audio X2's this year? I think that they were matched with LTA electronics and was looking for how they sounded.

thanks,

Chris

Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.

Mr Peabody

If you are going to RMAF you will get to hear the Gobels in a big room using their Reference Aeon and an all dual mono Ch Precision setup. They are going all out at RMAF as their “real” first intro.

I am on a trip now but from what I understand the speakers you heard at AXPONA are back in my listening room.

I am using them with with CH Precision M1 like at AXPONA except in a fantastic room and an MSB Select II front end.

Really superb.

I’m hoping to get to RMAF to hear their big room setup which I believe is how they will be shown in Munich as well.

For the first time, I attended an AXPONA show this year; I have to say that it was a blast. To my ears, the two best performances were real standouts. One was the Von Schweikert Audio Ultra 11s with VAC amplification and Esoteric electronics. Listening to a number of different music selections, I was consistently entertained -- which is the ultimate objective, I think, of this hobby/passion. The other distinguished presentation, however, provided me with an experience I shall long remember. It was the Sonus Faber Aira IIs with all Audio Research electronics, including their Reference 750 SE power amps. Every day, I tended to gravitate at some point to that room just to enjoy what was being played. However, at ten minutes before closing the last day, I found myself again there -- and alone but for the fellow managing the equipment. I asked him to play something which I knew would put that system to the test: Led Zeppelin's "Dazed and Confused". All I can say is "OH MY GOD!!" I was hearing the band live. Sound never blurred, even the repeated strikes of the cymbals; Plant's singing, Page's and Jones' guitar playing -- all were clean, clear and rock-solid. To me, this was simply audio nirvana. The only problem with this remarkable experience is that I will never again be able to enjoy Dazed and Confused as much. When I returned home, I played the same song on my [beloved by me, at least] system. Sigh. Good, but so far from its possible.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention speaker systems at four price ranges I thought to be impressive: under $5K -- the Neat Audio Iota Explorer; $5k - $10K -- the Magico A3; $10K - $16k -- the Wilson Audio Sabrina and the TAD Micro Evolution 1; and $16K - $20K -- the Kii III (w/built-in amplification). Above $20K, there weren't any surprises, although a few disappointments. Below $20K I was impressed at just how good each system performed at its price point; they are all worth serious consideration if one is considering an upgrade. One related note: I thought the Sabrinas were the best sounding Wilson Audio speakers at the show, which goes to prove, I think, how important it is to pay attention to complementary electronics and cabling as well as room treatment when demonstrating a speaker.

If I had any complaint at the show it was how many manufacturers and retailers were oblivious to the music they played. Personally, if I had heard much more "smooth jazz", I am pretty certain I would have needed institutionalization. By the third day, I intentionally avoided any room where that type of music was playing. It has made me wonder, is that why people spend $25K to $500K on their audio systems -- to listen to a breathless, energy-depleted female vocalist -- accompanied by a couple/few instrumentalists -- sing an utterly forgettable variation of some dirge? Obviously, I am showing my prejudices here, but in my opinion that music is more appropriate as background music for drinking than for losing oneself in a gripping audio performance.

I don't want to end my "report" in a negative space, so let me just say that the quality of reproduced music I heard was, for the most part, truly wonderful. We are in the golden age of audio, for sure.

Thanks for posting and welcome to the the site!! I believe you meant the Sonus Faber Aida II.

Jim, you are correct -- mea culpa! I meant to say, Aida II. :blush:

That reminded me, my first time hearing CH Precision. good stuff.

Did anyone else hear the ARC 160M's? I only made it that one time so not sure what the room was like the rest of the time. Maybe I was lucky enough to hear them show what they are capable of.

Yes, the CH Precision electronics with the YG Acoustics' Carmel 2s were very, very good. However, the simple setup demonstrated, not including cabling, was $140K. I saw the ARC M160s -- they are cooler looking in person than in pictures, but I'll be damned whether I can remember which speakers they drove. I suppose that the system wasn't as memorable as, say, was the CH Precision one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AVphile

Yes, the CH Precision electronics with the YG Acoustics' Carmel 2s were very, very good. However, the simple setup demonstrated, not including cabling, was $140K. I saw the ARC M160s -- they are cooler looking in person than in pictures, but I'll be damned whether I can remember which speakers they drove. I suppose that the system wasn't as memorable as, say, was the CH Precision one.

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Wilson Alexia’s with the ARC 160’s

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AVphile

For the first time, I attended an AXPONA show this year; I have to say that it was a blast. To my ears, the two best performances were real standouts. One was the Von Schweikert Audio Ultra 11s with VAC amplification and Esoteric electronics. Listening to a number of different music selections, I was consistently entertained -- which is the ultimate objective, I think, of this hobby/passion. The other distinguished presentation, however, provided me with an experience I shall long remember. It was the Sonus Faber Aira IIs with all Audio Research electronics, including their Reference 750 SE power amps. Every day, I tended to gravitate at some point to that room just to enjoy what was being played. However, at ten minutes before closing the last day, I found myself again there -- and alone but for the fellow managing the equipment. I asked him to play something which I knew would put that system to the test: Led Zeppelin's "Dazed and Confused". All I can say is "OH MY GOD!!" I was hearing the band live. Sound never blurred, even the repeated strikes of the cymbals; Plant's singing, Page's and Jones' guitar playing -- all were clean, clear and rock-solid. To me, this was simply audio nirvana. The only problem with this remarkable experience is that I will never again be able to enjoy Dazed and Confused as much. When I returned home, I played the same song on my [beloved by me, at least] system. Sigh. Good, but so far from its possible.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention speaker systems at four price ranges I thought to be impressive: under $5K -- the Neat Audio Iota Explorer; $5k - $10K -- the Magico A3; $10K - $16k -- the Wilson Audio Sabrina and the TAD Micro Evolution 1; and $16K - $20K -- the Kii III (w/built-in amplification). Above $20K, there weren't any surprises, although a few disappointments. Below $20K I was impressed at just how good each system performed at its price point; they are all worth serious consideration if one is considering an upgrade. One related note: I thought the Sabrinas were the best sounding Wilson Audio speakers at the show, which goes to prove, I think, how important it is to pay attention to complementary electronics and cabling as well as room treatment when demonstrating a speaker.

If I had any complaint at the show it was how many manufacturers and retailers were oblivious to the music they played. Personally, if I had heard much more "smooth jazz", I am pretty certain I would have needed institutionalization. By the third day, I intentionally avoided any room where that type of music was playing. It has made me wonder, is that why people spend $25K to $500K on their audio systems -- to listen to a breathless, energy-depleted female vocalist -- accompanied by a couple/few instrumentalists -- sing an utterly forgettable variation of some dirge? Obviously, I am showing my prejudices here, but in my opinion that music is more appropriate as background music for drinking than for losing oneself in a gripping audio performance.

I don't want to end my "report" in a negative space, so let me just say that the quality of reproduced music I heard was, for the most part, truly wonderful. We are in the golden age of audio, for sure.

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Can you please state wich amps and front end where associated with sabrina?
Lovely report!


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I believe Sabrina was with D'Agostino

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Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

I believe Sabrina was with D'Agostino

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Sabrina's were paired with Sim Audio, just dont know which specific gear. The dealer for the room is local to me, so I'll ask next time I stop and and update.