- Thread Author
- #61
Florida Audio Expo Show Report
- Thread starter Mike
- Start date
crwilli
Active member
Outstanding Mike!
Richard from Shunyata and skinny Mike were fantastic to do that demo early on Saturday. Those dudes the writer mentions were myself, JGlacken (Jeff), 2FastDriving (Marc) and Houndog (Jim). It was the required DEMO and it was definitive. Everybody in the room heard the benefit of the new Shunyata Altaira Signal and Chassis grounding boxes.
Had a chance to spend more time in the VS room today. Got a few more shots and got to listen to the SE. Fwiw I liked the Endeavor SE over the high end ones. I probably just haven't sufficiently developed my champagne taste.
The SE really impressed me. They were big-sounding yet still naturally musical, resolving and fast, and didn't seem to inappropriately emphasize anything/had great balance. Maybe a little on the lush/warmer side. They filled the fairly large room, without evidence of the least bit of strain, with beautiful-sounding, clear, realistic sounding music. Just my best description as a hobbyist and consumer of mostly low-end gear; disclaimer for those of you who don't think non-professionals should offer their opinions
. (Ain't gonna stop me)
This room/the SE speakers were tied for me at second show favorite, with the AGD/Ocean Way setup. More disclaimers: just my .02c, no offense to anyone or anything, I'm admittedly a complete amateur with an opinion (many?). Well, I guess, that said, I have been a musician for 45 years and in this hobby for 30ish, and am a semi-professional photo-journalist, so maybe subtract one grain of salt from the rather larger pile.
Once more, some crappy cellphone pics, but at least here they are for those who didn't get to make the show.
The SE really impressed me. They were big-sounding yet still naturally musical, resolving and fast, and didn't seem to inappropriately emphasize anything/had great balance. Maybe a little on the lush/warmer side. They filled the fairly large room, without evidence of the least bit of strain, with beautiful-sounding, clear, realistic sounding music. Just my best description as a hobbyist and consumer of mostly low-end gear; disclaimer for those of you who don't think non-professionals should offer their opinions
. (Ain't gonna stop me)This room/the SE speakers were tied for me at second show favorite, with the AGD/Ocean Way setup. More disclaimers: just my .02c, no offense to anyone or anything, I'm admittedly a complete amateur with an opinion (many?). Well, I guess, that said, I have been a musician for 45 years and in this hobby for 30ish, and am a semi-professional photo-journalist, so maybe subtract one grain of salt from the rather larger pile.
Once more, some crappy cellphone pics, but at least here they are for those who didn't get to make the show.
Each time I wandered into this room, I had an immediate positive visceral reaction, along the lines of "damn that has punch; and speed, clarity, extension, great depth and soundstage, and goes loud without straining (or any hint of harshness)". Like getting punched, but in a good way (there is such a thing?). This was my 3rd fave room in the show. It sounded fantastic, and it looked great. Oz was a trip, for sure; I think he was having more fun than the rest of us!
This Thrax room literally can't be ignored, it grabs you and gets your foot tapping. I did find it slightly fatiguing after a little bit, but I think that could have been the volume. What impressed though was that it did volume and punch with no bloat and no treble harshness, there was just an iron grip on the music. If I was in my 20s again and throwing lots of parties these would probably top my list.
This Thrax room literally can't be ignored, it grabs you and gets your foot tapping. I did find it slightly fatiguing after a little bit, but I think that could have been the volume. What impressed though was that it did volume and punch with no bloat and no treble harshness, there was just an iron grip on the music. If I was in my 20s again and throwing lots of parties these would probably top my list.
I felt this way for 3 days. I simply could not believe the magic that washed over me when I walked into a room with the Borreson 01's. I went back to the two rooms (one by Oz and the other by Next Level) more than any other. Partly because I was waiting to see if - as is often the case - my initial impression was biased by exposure to something new (to me) and different - and partly because the sound was addictive.
The Next Level room with the Borreson stand-mounts and Aavik electronics was - far and away - my favorite from the start, and stayed that way to my last room visit. (probably with the Oz room at 1.5 - it was the same equipment, but there was something odd going on with the room imo. Listening to Lars' detailed and passionate explanation of the engineering concepts behind the evolution of the system made it worth coming back though!).
It's nearly impossible to describe the 01's since they simply don't look like they can produce the sound that comes out of them. The bass is tight and room-filling, the music is crisp, with amazing air and separation, a wide and deep soundstage - the speakers literally (I know, I know..) disappear, and all those other things professional audio guys say about good stuff (reminder-disclaimer: I am not). "Luscious" and "extraordinary" are the first words that come into my head. I think the "0" in this speaker's name stands for "0 bad stuff". No negatives.
I haven't heard "All The Speakers" but I've heard more than the average Joe I guess, and if I could choose one speaker to live with forever.... THIS would be it. At ANY price. There's so many cheesy analogies could be made I won't bother, I will just leave it at, listening to music through these is the first time I've ever actually had an emotional reaction to a sound system. As-in, I was sort of on the fence between laughing and crying the whole time. Ok, yeah, I just admitted that.
I personally thanked Michael Borreson for the joy he's given me already (my Scansonics carry his initials), and the joy I will have when I assemble my dream system. After all, imo, the best manufacturers aren't engineers of equipment, they are engineers of dreams and joy. Things we all can use more of these days.
At least now I have what I guess an audio show is supposed to give you - a goal of what I want in my living room. The Borreson Z1 or Z2, the Aavik i-280 or 580. That's a great feeling actually, something to look forward to, and well worth the $30 price of entry.
The Next Level room with the Borreson stand-mounts and Aavik electronics was - far and away - my favorite from the start, and stayed that way to my last room visit. (probably with the Oz room at 1.5 - it was the same equipment, but there was something odd going on with the room imo. Listening to Lars' detailed and passionate explanation of the engineering concepts behind the evolution of the system made it worth coming back though!).
It's nearly impossible to describe the 01's since they simply don't look like they can produce the sound that comes out of them. The bass is tight and room-filling, the music is crisp, with amazing air and separation, a wide and deep soundstage - the speakers literally (I know, I know..) disappear, and all those other things professional audio guys say about good stuff (reminder-disclaimer: I am not). "Luscious" and "extraordinary" are the first words that come into my head. I think the "0" in this speaker's name stands for "0 bad stuff". No negatives.
I haven't heard "All The Speakers" but I've heard more than the average Joe I guess, and if I could choose one speaker to live with forever.... THIS would be it. At ANY price. There's so many cheesy analogies could be made I won't bother, I will just leave it at, listening to music through these is the first time I've ever actually had an emotional reaction to a sound system. As-in, I was sort of on the fence between laughing and crying the whole time. Ok, yeah, I just admitted that.
I personally thanked Michael Borreson for the joy he's given me already (my Scansonics carry his initials), and the joy I will have when I assemble my dream system. After all, imo, the best manufacturers aren't engineers of equipment, they are engineers of dreams and joy. Things we all can use more of these days.
At least now I have what I guess an audio show is supposed to give you - a goal of what I want in my living room. The Borreson Z1 or Z2, the Aavik i-280 or 580. That's a great feeling actually, something to look forward to, and well worth the $30 price of entry.
Puma Cat
Well-known member
"semi-professional photojournalist..."
Well, That explains why your photos are so good. I knew somethin' was up. A pro can tell when he sees work from another pro; its pretty obvious to the trained eye.
I was a "semi-professional photojournalist..." myself, as a credentialed motorsports PJ for Laguna Seca and Sonoma Raceways for many years (since 2003), so I knew somethin' was up. Shot a lot of MotoGP, IndyCar, NASCAR, World Superbike, NASCAR, etc., with creds.
If you ever get out to the SF Bay Area some time, it might be nice to meet up and perhaps go out and do some photography.
Puma Cat
Well-known member
Great post...well done, J.
Ha, thanks! Those pics are AWFUL! But I do appreciate it. And heck yeah, that would be absolutely awesome, and same goes for Tampa. My bro lived in Sonoma for many years; I've been to races there. I'll PM you my websites info if you're interested in seeing pics with a real camera, and vice versa.
Puma Cat
Well-known member
Absolutely. Please PM me with that and your contact info so we can stay in touch...cheers and thanks, J.
- Thread Author
- #71
Big thanks to all our amazing members who traveled far and wide. Folks coming from Washington state and Oregon and North Carolina and NY and the like! I was amazed! I think mrossi traveled the furthest! Jock too. But everyone braved the travel. Thank you so much guys!!
And to all the reviewers who traveled far and wide to brave the travel challenges, a big thank you!
And last but not least, a big thanks to our crew! RITMO, Rick, Mike and Matt, along with our regular crew did an incredible job assisting with setup and break down. Our reps from Nordost and Vivid and Shunyata were a big help during the show.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
And to all the reviewers who traveled far and wide to brave the travel challenges, a big thank you!
And last but not least, a big thanks to our crew! RITMO, Rick, Mike and Matt, along with our regular crew did an incredible job assisting with setup and break down. Our reps from Nordost and Vivid and Shunyata were a big help during the show.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
AJ Soundfield
Well-known member
Whew, fun show. Great meeting some of you gents in person, seeing old friends. Also thanks to Bart and Mike B for arranging dinner Thu & Fri. I'm still recovering from those 
.
Time to start getting ready for next year...
. Time to start getting ready for next year...
JCS123
Active member
Mike, call me intrigued. I can't wait to hear more about Shunyata's new grounding system.
Mike and jmusica, thank you both for the amazing photos and comments on the different rooms. For those of us who can't make the show, you give us a pretty good idea of what's going on down there.
Audioseduction
Active member
Next group of images. Next batch tomorrow.... ENJOY!
AJ Soundfield
Well-known member
Hi Charles,AJ's room was great. Though for that particular room, I feel the smaller towers were a much better choice. Those little towers were extremely impressive all around, well balanced and extended a whole heck of a lot deeper than one would think, especially at higher volumes. Excellent work AJ! Also, it was great to finally meet you and it was a pleasure talking with you for a bit.
Good meeting you and the family after all these years. Glad you enjoyed the room and show.
Already looking forward to next year!
cheers,
AJ
AJ Soundfield
Well-known member
still-one
Active member
Did anyone find out what changes were incorporated to make MBL's xTreme now version II?
Mr Peabody
Well-known member
Thanks for all the show coverage.
Musica our tastes are similar. I liked Thrax when I saw them at AXPONA, their Lyra speakers are amaizing, they were in alarge room and filled it nicely and sounded great. I also liked Ocean Way and the class D in a tube gear, LOL I thought that was a bit of a gimmick but it sounded good nonetheless.
Mike's rooms have been getting good feedback on social media. Not as Mike's room but comments on the brands of gear shown. Also, very positive postings on the FL show in general as being one of the premier audio show to attend. Someday maybe I will make it.
Musica our tastes are similar. I liked Thrax when I saw them at AXPONA, their Lyra speakers are amaizing, they were in alarge room and filled it nicely and sounded great. I also liked Ocean Way and the class D in a tube gear, LOL I thought that was a bit of a gimmick but it sounded good nonetheless.
Mike's rooms have been getting good feedback on social media. Not as Mike's room but comments on the brands of gear shown. Also, very positive postings on the FL show in general as being one of the premier audio show to attend. Someday maybe I will make it.