Axpona 2016 Thoughts, Best Of's and more...

[Mike]

This years Axpona was probably the best they've had. There were lots of vendors and better sounding rooms than in shows past. I felt the traffic was also up, but others were not so sure. The folks at Axpona worked very hard to put on another great show this year. That being said, there is room for improvement. Axpona was marred not by who was there or the rooms, but by who wasn't there. No Pass (except for a pair of amps in one room), no Vitus, no Rockport, no PS Audio and most importantly, no MQA! I had more than a few people tell me, "the whole reason I came to Axpona was to hear MQA." The list of notable no shows was long and frankly, disappointing. Axpona needs to find a way to directly attract more manufacturers and more distributors. All in all, a good show and a nice improvement over last year.

Biggest surprise:

As far as sources are concerned, tape stole the show. The tape seminar that Myles put on was good and the number of reel-to-reel machines in use seemingly up 500% over any previous shows. Tape definitely made a strong impact as far as sources were concerned.

Biggest disappointment:

No real MQA presence. IMO - there should have been a big MQA room where demos were being held every hour on the hour, not buried on a little Mytek table in the back of the main lobby with the headphones, Record cleaning machines and vinyl for sale. People have heard the hype, Axpona was a perfect time to "show the beef".

Auspicious debuts:

Magico S5 mk2. Jadis KT150 integrated. Wilson Alexx. StromTank. New Atmasphere tube amp. Air Force 3 turntable. Wells Audio Integrated. VPI DD Avenger. CAT mk7 amps. Many others.

Best Budget Speaker:

The Elac's made another strong showing, but this year, for me, the Aurum Cantus Melody M-102SE's at $2500 a pair. Finished in a gorgeous cherry (or rosewood option), these speakers sounded magnificent. Runner up: Elac's.

Best Solid State Amp:

The Wells Audio amp just sounded right. It sounded like music. I was smitten with this amp. Runner up: Parasound JC1's/Rowland (tie). Honorable mention: Gamut amps.

Best Tube Amp:

The big CAT amps were sounding magnificent in the Magico room, but I have to say the VAC 200 iQ monos. Paired with the Von Schweikert speakers, these amps sound like music. Runner up: Jadis I-50.

Best Tape Source:

Chad's Ampex R2R in the Rowland/Joseph room.

Best Vinyl Source:

Kronos Pro with ZYX Universe Premium in the Magico S5 mk2 room/VPI Direct Drive Avenger (tie).

Best Digital:
Impressed again with the Chord DAVE. Maybe Suncoast Audio needs another addition to its digital lineup...hmmmm....


Best Wireless Speaker (could this become a new category?):

The Goldmund Wireless speakers were awesome! Goldmund speakers with internal Goldmund electronics. How could they be anything but great?

Best Speaker:

OK, the MBL 101 Xtremes are insane, needing a massive room and costing $1,000,000 for speakers, amp, cables, sources, etc. so, we almost have to exclude them from this contest and focus on speakers people might actually buy. So, in the speaker category that some will actually buy, the Magico S5 mk2 was the most consistent sounding in the show. As I mentioned in another post, I went back to that room 10-15 times and it was always sounding great. No boom. Just right.

Runner up's: Avantgarde Uno XD (after I argued with the Avantgarde rep on Saturday morning and he finally allowed me to fix the EQ -- then thanked me afterwards because they sounded WAY better -- long story). He didn't touch my EQ settings and kept saying "these sound so much better, thank you."

Focal Sopra 2's with the Pass XS amps and Sopra 2's with the MicroMega integrated. Awesome! The big Tidal speakers were also amazing. Loved that whole Tidal room. Big dollars though. The Gamut speakers also sounded awesome. The Monitor Audio Platinum II speakers have to be one of the greatest buys in audio. $27,000 for a speaker that is very reminiscent of the Raidho D5. The D5 still beats it, but boy...for $27,000? These big Monitor Audio's are impressive. I also liked the KEF Blade 2's with the Parasound gear. Very nice sounding. Harbeth SHL5+ with the Vinnie Rossi Lio was also nice, but could get boomy.

More...Eggleston speakers on the second level with a full ModWright setup and the Scaena speakers with ARC also sounded very nice.

Finally, in the "what the hell is that?" category, we have the Waveion speaker. Looking inside the speaker, one could see tie wraps and other things.

Best Overall Room:

As I've said before, the Magico S5 mk2/CAT/Kronos Pro with ZYX Universe Premium cart was by far the most consistent. No bass humps. No "it was good sometimes." It was consistently excellent. When the Magico/CAT/Kronos combo was playing, nothing could touch it. The ambience, the presence, the realness was unmatched.

[Kingsrule]

No MQA presence.....

Bob Stuart and Meridian never have and never will get what it takes to make something happen, especially here in the States. They don't know a thing about promotion and I truthfully feel they have total disdain for audio shows in general and the US audio market in particular.

[Jim Smith]

Runner up's: Avantgarde Uno XD (after I argued with the Avantgarde rep on Saturday morning and he finally allowed me to fix the EQ -- then thanked me afterwards because they sounded WAY better -- long story). He didn't touch my EQ settings and kept saying "these sound so much better, thank you."

YAY Mike! Who was the rep, if you can say here?

[Mike]

YAY Mike! Who was the rep, if you can say here?

A new kid. Forget his name.

[CPP]

A new kid. Forget his name.

New kids and trial by fire. They learn so fast, if they listen.

[nc42acc]

Mike I heard the Unos both Friday and Saturday and they were in my top 3 for the show regardless what day I listened. You should have tweaked the Zero 1s. I could easily see myself living with the Avantgarde UNO XDs in my system.

[Mike]

Mike I heard the Unos both Friday and Saturday and they were in my top 3 for the show regardless what day I listened. You should have tweaked the Zero 1s. I could easily see myself living with the Avantgarde UNO XDs in my system.

I agree. Paired with a little SET amp and you're in heaven!

[nc42acc]

If you were able to get into the MBL room and get a good seat and they had a tape playing on the UHA deck this was no doubt the best sound of the show in my opinion. Nothing can reproduce the scale and magnitude of the MBL speakers and present a soundstage in such a holographic way. Truly remarkable sounding. I guess you gotta pay to play in that league!

[FlexibleAudio]

You know Mike I don't no exactly what my problem was with the S5 room and the high frequencies. I spent a long time in that room in the sweet spot listening to a large number of tracks (mainly jazz with and without vocals and classical). The only thing I regret is not asking for vinyl. All of my time was with tape. (Frankly it never occurred to me to ask to leave tape and go to vinyl in hopes of improving my perception of the speaker, but I wonder to what extent that may have been part of the issue). The tracks were being run by a gentlemen that seemed to take some ownership in the tapes and many of them seemed to me to have a high noise floor. I asked about this and he was not too responsive other than to say his "new" ones were better. ????

I will say the S5 mkii were incredibly (almost singularly) resolving. I am not sure I have ever heard a speaker that is capable telling you more accurately how a bad recording can sound. Of course the corollary is what I am sure the S5's do on the good ones. Like I said, wish I had forced some vinyl.

[Mike]

You know Mike I don't no exactly what my problem was with the S5 room and the high frequencies. I spent a long time in that room in the sweet spot listening to a large number of tracks (mainly jazz with and without vocals and classical). The only thing I regret is not asking for vinyl. All of my time was with tape. (Frankly it never occurred to me to ask to leave tape and go to vinyl in hopes of improving my perception of the speaker, but I wonder to what extent that may have been part of the issue). The tracks were being run by a gentlemen that seemed to take some ownership in the tapes and many of them seemed to me to have a high noise floor. I asked about this and he was not too responsive other than to say his "new" ones were better. ????

I will say the S5 mkii were incredibly (almost singularly) resolving. I am not sure I have ever heard a speaker that is capable telling you more accurately how a bad recording can sound. Of course the corollary is what I am sure the S5's do on the good ones. Like I said, wish I had forced some vinyl.

I have a hunch it was the tapes. It was things that gentleman had recorded with some unique mikeing techniques. I BELIEVE the R2R was a Sony (not a Studer or Ampex) and using the internal tape preamp (read: 35 year old solid state electronics). When the vinyl was put on - holy smokes - things really went into high heaven mode. I would give them another listen when you can.

[KeithR]

I think the new Jadis integrateds are fantastic - glad they had a good showing at Axpona like Newport last year.

[Deafone]

I also was surprised about the lack of MQA. I think they had it in a room upstairs (Saturday Audio Exchange?), but I got tired of waiting for them to actually play something instead of just talking about it.

[nicoludio]

A new kid. Forget his name.

Jerome Andre?

[Deafone]

I think I remember an MQA demo last year at Axpona.

I think Avantgarde had issues with the white speakers, whichever model that was. When I heard them Saturday, the volume was way too low and they were playing a Pagannini Violin Concerto where the violin had no harmonic richness at all.

[KeithR]

how was the Vapor/Lampi room? i think they were supposed to have a simple Cirrus Black setup which i'd love to hear some time.

[nile49]

I have a hunch it was the tapes. It was things that gentleman had recorded with some unique mikeing techniques. I BELIEVE the R2R was a Sony (not a Studer or Ampex) and using the internal tape preamp (read: 35 year old solid state electronics). When the vinyl was put on - holy smokes - things really went into high heaven mode. I would give them another listen when you can.

I'm kicking myself for not going back! I only heard tape as well. I wanted to listen to them more to get an idea of what we might expect the S3 MKII will sound like when it makes its way to market. I'll be particularly interested in that release.

[bpw]

Had an amazing time with the great folks of Aurender tonight. Wonderful meal at Pete Miller's, followed by a visit here to show them the demo rooms. This photo taken in the big room upstairs.
L to R: Eric Shim, Harry Lee, Sally Jeung, and Johh-Paul Lizars. It's a genuine honor to be associated with them.

[Mike]

Sounds like a good time Brian. Always good to see the Aurender folks. I had a nice visit with them at Axpona as well.

[Mike]

Not to toot my own horn, but a quick tour around the other forums this morning showed, once again, either a complete lack of coverage of the latest audio show (in this case, Axpona) or spotty at best - and certainly no where near the level of photos, coverage, thoughts from members, etc.

I noticed the same thing after CES in January, RMAF in October, the previous Axpona, CES before that and the list goes on.

Audioshark is the place to be for the latest news, pictures and thoughts on the latest in high end audio.

[Rscotth]

Mike,

What were your thoughts on the new Sonus faber Il Cremonese?

[Mike]

Mike,

What were your thoughts on the new Sonus faber Il Cremonese?

VERY nice! I like them better than the Aida and Lilium.

[Mike]

Mike,

What were your thoughts on the new Sonus faber Il Cremonese?

VERY nice! I like them better than the Aida and Lilium.

[Rscotth]

VERY nice! I like them better than the Aida and Lilium.

Thanks

[the professor]

Well done Mike!!!!!

[Tom Z]

Not to toot my own horn, but a quick tour around the other forums this morning showed, once again, either a complete lack of coverage of the latest audio show (in this case, Axpona) or spotty at best - and certainly no where near the level of photos, coverage, thoughts from members, etc.

I noticed the same thing after CES in January, RMAF in October, the previous Axpona, CES before that and the list goes on.

Audioshark is the place to be for the latest news, pictures and thoughts on the latest in high end audio.

You tell 'em Hoss!

[Zero]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with us Mike.

[Steve]

VERY nice! I like them better than the Aida and Lilium.

Yes... Il Cremonese has my attention. I have seen them close up and look forward to a demo and posting my thoughts soon.

[ashandger]

Not to toot my own horn, but a quick tour around the other forums this morning showed, once again, either a complete lack of coverage of the latest audio show (in this case, Axpona) or spotty at best - and certainly no where near the level of photos, coverage, thoughts from members, etc.

I noticed the same thing after CES in January, RMAF in October, the previous Axpona, CES before that and the list goes on.

Audioshark is the place to be for the latest news, pictures and thoughts on the latest in high end audio.

Many thanks for the great coverage. Just wondering if you were planning to post any videos of some of the rooms you liked?

[Mike]

Many thanks for the great coverage. Just wondering if you were planning to post any videos of some of the rooms you liked?

I did take a few videos, but not many. I think I used up all the space on my phone shooting videos in the MBL 101 Xtreme room.

[bzr]

'Did you have a listen to any W/Benesch Mike?

[Mike]

'Did you have a listen to any W/Benesch Mike?

They were a no show...again.

[bzr]

They'll be at Munich.

[FlexibleAudio]

I did take a few videos, but not many. I think I used up all the space on my phone shooting videos in the MBL 101 Xtreme room.

I advise not watching that one before bedtime you won't fall asleep.

[nc42acc]

Which Sonus Faber speakers were being played in the ARC room? That room was in my top 5 for best sound.

[Mike]

Which Sonus Faber speakers were being played in the ARC room? That room was in my top 5 for best sound.

Il Cremona

[ptman]

My first major audio show...drove up from St. Louis.

Great time. It was good to be able to hear a lot of the equipment I've only read about. I agree with Mike's notations on the favorite rooms (Tidal, Scaena, Il Cremona, Gamut, Avantgarde Uno's topped my list from his mentions)...a couple of others:
- Von Schweikert V55 Active's with VAC amplification
- Spatial Audio M3's...I was blown away when I learned the price
- Joseph Audio
- AudioKinesis powered by Atma-Sphere...great transparency
- Gershman Acoustics' new entry level model
- Bricasti into Bricasti into Tidal (Bricasti room)

The other thing I enjoyed was meeting the manufacturers and manufacturer reps...particularly Brian Zollner from Bricasti (I'm an M1 owner), Lars from Raidho/Aavik/Ansuz (I have the Sparkz TC), Kerry St James from YG Acoustics (I'm a Carmel owner) and Clayton Shaw from Spatial Audio (I'm a former Emerald Physics owner). Benno from GamuT gave a speaker setup discussion in their room...he definitely knows from whence he speaks as there was nary a piece of acoustic treatment, he'd removed the heavy curtains in the room, and the sound was crisp and fantastic.

All told, a great experience and I look forward to next year.

[ptman]

...also, the YG Acoustics Hailey powered by AudioNet...

[Bruce]

Many thanks for the great coverage. Just wondering if you were planning to post any videos of some of the rooms you liked?

Indeed kudos to Mike for the coverage /pics and comments--

I see Mr, Fremer has this Vid of him gargling and wobbling around the show--quite amusing at the reactions at times--but interesting nevertheless in snippets

Oh for the lack of a small Steadicam unit though--

caution --some seasickness may occur !

Bruce

http://youtu.be/QiR7TQpHPzI

[johni b]

hi guys, i have a pair of gamut L7 speakers and i was wondering how the new gamut speakers sounded. any thoughts good or bad? john

[madfloyd]

Not to toot my own horn, but a quick tour around the other forums this morning showed, once again, either a complete lack of coverage of the latest audio show (in this case, Axpona) or spotty at best - and certainly no where near the level of photos, coverage, thoughts from members, etc.

I noticed the same thing after CES in January, RMAF in October, the previous Axpona, CES before that and the list goes on.

Audioshark is the place to be for the latest news, pictures and thoughts on the latest in high end audio.

No kidding - spot on - great coverage, Mike. Once again, if it wasn't for Audioshark, it'd feel like Axpona didn't even happen! Thank you!

[FlexibleAudio]

My first major audio show...drove up from St. Louis.

Great time. It was good to be able to hear a lot of the equipment I've only read about. I agree with Mike's notations on the favorite rooms (Tidal, Scaena, Il Cremona, Gamut, Avantgarde Uno's topped my list from his mentions)...a couple of others:
- Von Schweikert V55 Active's with VAC amplification
- Spatial Audio M3's...I was blown away when I learned the price
- Joseph Audio
- AudioKinesis powered by Atma-Sphere...great transparency
- Gershman Acoustics' new entry level model
- Bricasti into Bricasti into Tidal (Bricasti room)

The other thing I enjoyed was meeting the manufacturers and manufacturer reps...particularly Brian Zollner from Bricasti (I'm an M1 owner), Lars from Raidho/Aavik/Ansuz (I have the Sparkz TC), Kerry St James from YG Acoustics (I'm a Carmel owner) and Clayton Shaw from Spatial Audio (I'm a former Emerald Physics owner). Benno from GamuT gave a speaker setup discussion in their room...he definitely knows from whence he speaks as there was nary a piece of acoustic treatment, he'd removed the heavy curtains in the room, and the sound was crisp and fantastic.

All told, a great experience and I look forward to next year.

PT, What did you think of the Sonjas with the MSB Select. I thought it was phenomenal. The YG's realism, imagining and balance really impressed me.

[jadedavid]

Yes Mike thanks for all the great pictures and commentary. I was not able to attend but did have some friends there. Based upon your postings I was able to guide them to some rooms and items that they missed. It was the next best thing to being there and you literally trounced any other reporting on the event. Perhaps Axpona should hire you as their PR person. Job well done.

[Deafone]

Anyone go to the "Making of a State of the Art Recording" session? If so, what were your thoughts? I came out of there thinking soundstaging is all based on how the recording artist puts it together. He had one recording where the piano was in a separate enclosed room away from the drums, etc. The mike on the drums were right against the drums. In real life, an instrument sounds different when you are really close vs. out in the audience.

[mauidan]

Were the Magico S1 MK.IIs at Axpona, if so did anyone hear them.

[Mike]

Were the Magico S1 MK.IIs at Axpona, if so did anyone hear them.

No. But they're permanently in my room. Fabulous. Sold a pair last week.

[ptman]

Paul, I thought all of the YG rooms (MSB Select into Sonja's, AudioNet into Haley, Mola Mola into Carmel 2) had great sound consistent with what I love about the YG speakers

[mauidan]

TAS Show Report:

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/arti...a-show-report/

[nc42acc]

I question Stephen Stones ability to accurately assess an audio system.

TAS Show Report:

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/arti...a-show-report/

[madfloyd]

I question Stephen Stones ability to accurately assess an audio system.

LOL, me too.

[FlexibleAudio]

I question Stephen Stones ability to accurately assess an audio system.

Oh c'mon, I said this:

PT, What did you think of the Sonjas with the MSB Select. I thought it was phenomenal. The YG's realism, imagining and balance really impressed me.

Steve said this:

"I’d also never heard the YG Acoustics Sonja 1.2 ($72,800) sound more natural and incisive as it did with this source."

I also said this:

Re: Axpona 2016 Official Pictures Thread

I want to get this out early so people don't think I am copying off the kid in front of me. After a long second day today, here is where I come out. Please remember I have a hearing impairment.

Top Five
1 YG and MSB
2 Wilson Alexx and Doshi with tape and vinyl3 Raidho D1.1 and Aavik
3 Avantegarde Uno XD and Av Amp
4 Wilson and Dag
5 Martin Logan and McIntosh (seriously)

Steve said:

"Best Sound (cost no object)
Paragon Sight and Sound’s room on the second floor won easily, populated by Wilson Audio Alexxloudspeakers ($109,000/pr.), Doshi Audio 3.0 linestage ($16,995), Doshi Audio 3.0phonostage($16,995), Doshi Audio 3.0 tape stage ($16,995), Doshi Audio Jhor mono amplifiers ($29,995/pr.),"

He can't be all bad.