What a wonderful weekend at AXPONA 2023! The weather was quite lovely for this time of the year in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs—sunny and in the 70s and 80s. There was a certain sense of excitement and energy in the air, even beyond last year's 2022 event as 2021 was cancelled to due to Covid.
I have not seen the numbers just yet, but it felt like attendance was up as there were quite a few rooms with lines out the door and shoulder to shoulder listeners inside. We arrived at the Schaumburg Renaissance Convention Center only 10 minutes late on Saturday when the doors opened up, yet we ended up waiting for 30 minutes until a parking spot opened up. It was that busy!
No problems on any of the above, as folks were very civil and attitudes were definitely positive all around. I noticed a slightly more diverse crowd than in the past for both gender and age. I am guessing that there were many international visitors too, as I overheard languages from almost all corners of world. Music and the reproduction of music continues to be very important to many people! Yes, there still seems to be a bright future for high end audio!
Additional Observations and Discussions
Throughout the event, I was able to have private discussions with several manufacturers and dealers and also with many many attendees. Again, the passion and excitement was clearly evident in all of these key players. I also noticed a few things that seemed to be consistent yet telling about some changes afoot, so I will also mention them here.
One of the hot topics for all was the availability of product. It seems that supply chain issues are still prevalent, but many brands are now getting closer to delivering on time and with fairly stable schedules. There seems to be a new priority on efficiency and streamlining the manufacturing and delivery processes across the board. Based on several discussions with many companies, we should see even better results throughout 2023. Let's keep our fingers crossed!
On the digital side, one type of component seemed to be almost omnipresent. Yes, I do realize that this is not a new technology, but I did see more and more ethernet/network switches offered by some of our most prestigious brands. This included products from Ansuz, Synergistic Research, Nordost, Innous, and many more. It seems like this network functionality is becoming almost a must have for the very best sound in terms of streaming. This has certainly been the case in my listening room. The good news is that there are now many possibilities out there for the audio enthusiast with different levels of functionality and at various price points. I highly recommend an audition just to evaluate what they can do for your system.
For those avid vinyl collectors out there, I spent considerable time in the Record Fair area of the show. It seems that the existing pressing plants are now catching up and several hard to find titles are now becoming available again. For example, if you are a Miles Davis fan, you have to be pleased as all the major audiophile labels are bringing back some of their most collectable and valued titles from Miles.
This includes many of the MoFi 33 RPM and 45 RPM Miles Davis reissues like Sketches Of Spain, A Tribute To Jack Johnson, and Nefertiti. Analogue Productions is doing an excellent job with represses for their Prestige Jazz Series which includes the classic Miles Davis mono reissues for Workin', Relaxin', and Steamin'. IMPEX just repressed Miles Davis In Person At The Blackhawk. This title has been on my want list for several years! In the recent past, all of the above have been for sale on Discogs for anywhere between $150 to $300. You might want to consider buying them at their MSRP prices now while they are still available!
Lastly, I also noticed that we are finally hearing some new demonstration music in many of the listening rooms. I have been attending high end audio shows since the Chicago CES first rolled out in the late 1970s. For me at least, the ability to hear new music and then seek out the same for my own collection has always been one of the most fun reasons to attend these shows. Yes, we still have Diana Krall, Dire Straits, and The Allan Parsons project spinning in every other room, but now thanks to streaming, the variety and quality of new music available for these demonstrations is absolutely amazing.
You can find many audiophile playlists on Tidal and Qobuz, but like several others that I observed throughout the show, my Shazam app was up and running constantly. Probably well known to many, but new for me, I have added some incredible music to my Qobuz Favorites from the likes of Keith Greeniger, Ghost Rider, Fink, Warpaint, Uakti, Hedegaard, Klaus Badelt, and Sophi Zelmani. Stay posted for another posting which will include a more extensive list and more detailed information.
A Few Highlights And A Few Caveats
Again, I was not able to check out all the rooms, so I am sure that I missed out on some outstanding presentations and gear. The following is a list of a few highlights that I was able to see and hear. Please add your own favorites in the comments section.
As always for my show reports, these highlights are not only for sound quality, but also for the people and the music supporting the demonstrations. There was never an intent to somehow rank order the best sounding rooms at the show. IMHO, this is an almost impossible thing to accomplish and of course most everything in this hobby is so subjective.
IMPEX Records
Abey Fonn, the esteemed leader of IMPEX Records, was at the show with a very special guest and an important announcement. Abey was there to announce a new IMPEX Records One Step reissue of the classic Getz/Gilberto recording with Stan Getz and João Gilberto. Regardless of genre, this release has consistently been named one of the top 100 records of all time. Nicolaus Getz, son of Stan Getz, was also there with Abey to make the announcement and to provide some extremely interesting backstories on the recording. The test pressings that were played in the Quintessence Audio - Prosperity Room were absolutely sensational. If there was ever a recording that deserves the One Step treatment, this is it!
One of the many insights that was discussed included the role of Nicolaus' mom, Monica Getz. In addition to being one of the key champions in the USA market for establishing and promoting the Bossa Nova genre, she was also an important influence on this specific album. Maybe the most fascinating thing is that she strongly recommended that Gilberto's wife, Astrud, sing two songs on the album. Astrud Giberto was not a professional singer at the time. Apparently Monica heard Astrud sing while cooking in the kitchen and she thought that Astrud would be a perfect match. There was some resistance by João at first, but Monica continued to push the idea and the rest is history. "The Girl From Ipanema" as sung by Astrud Gilberto has to be one of the most iconic songs of all time. I am really looking forward to this one!
Quintessence Audio – Knowledge Room
Mick Survance and his team at Quintessence continue to provide many highlights at every AXPONA. All three of the Quintessence rooms were outstanding this year, but the "Knowledge Room" was one of my favorites. The combination of the Wilson Audio Alexx V speakers ($145,000), the D'Agostino Momentum HD preamp ($42,500), the Momentum HD phono preamp ($32,000), and the M400 MvX mono block amplifier ($79,950), were all a match made in heaven. Lets not forget contributions from the Clearaudio Reference Jubilee turntable with Universal 9" arm ($30,000), the Bassocontinuo Revolution X rack ($35,000), and a full loom of Transparent XL cable.
Two special mentions for the front end sources. I have been dabbling with the new dCS Bartok Apex DAC ($20,950), which has taken the original Bartok to a new level of remarkable performance. The dCS Rossini Apex DAC ($32,800) with the Rossini Clock ($10,850), is an entirely different beast and is clearly a step forward. For those non-believers out there, we have now crossed a line into a new era of digital performance. In my humble opinion, the Rossini Apex DAC with Clock can compete with any source—tape, vinyl and beyond. That's a bold statement, but what I heard in this room could not be denied. A special mention is also deserved for the new DS Audio Grand Master EX optical cartridge ($30,000) and Grand Master EQ component ($45,000). Amazingly, the cantilever and stylus are all made of a one piece solid diamond construction. This room provided an extraordinary combination of lifelike presence and liquidity that just pulled at my heart strings and would not let go! Congrats to Mick for another fine showing!
Clarisys/Hegel Room
Back in the day, like many, I went through my Apogee Acoustics phase with the Duetta and then the Diva full range ribbon speakers. At the time, they sounded like nothing else in the market place. Both were tremendously transparent and dripping with texture. Both provided an almost addictive and uniquely palpable presentation that had me rethink my entire system. Even with my pair of bridged Classe DR9 amplifiers rated at 400 watts RMS at 8 ohms, they were still difficult to drive. Bass could sometimes be a little bloated and dark. Highs could be slightly restrained depending on the supporting components. My wife was never a fan of the aesthetics and reliability was not exactly the best. Still, I greatly enjoyed my time with the Apogees and they are considered absolute classics!
Now we have the new Clarisys Audio speaker lineup from Switzerland and distributed in the USA by Mike Bobaird at Suncoast Audio. The entry level Clarisys Audio Minuet ($33,800), is clearly the real deal and provided almost everything the Apogee's wanted to be. The unique industrial design is spectacular. At a fairly reasonable 87 dB sensitivity and with a much more friendly impedance curve than the Apogees, they are much easier to drive. Fasten your seat belts, as I found the sound to have amazing levels of attack and dynamic agility, with a midrange to absolutely die for. Lets not discount what the Hegel H30A amplifier ($18,995) provided. In its mono state, it delivers 1100 watts into 8 ohms. The system also included a Hegel P30A DAC ($8995) and a full loom of Shunyata cable. This room was consistently one of the most crowded at the show, and for many good reasons.
Next Level HiFi – Serenity Room
Tyler Mueller of Next Level HiFi along with Lars Kristensen and Peter Hanson of Audio Group Denmark have now established a new bench mark of excellence with this room. The new Borresen Acoustics M3 Reference speakers ($280,000) made their global debut and were driven by the Aavik C-880 Preamplifier ($70,000) and P-880 Efficient stereo amplifier ($70,000). Source components included the Aavik D580 DAC ($25,200) fed by the Aavik S580 Steamer ($25,200). Power distribution was supported by the reference Ansuz Signature Gold Main8 ($68,000). Network signal distribution was supported by the reference Ansuz Signature Gold PowerSwitch ($23,000). Additional Ansuz noise reduction technology was employed by the Ansuz Signature Gold PowerBox ($23,000). The cabling utilized throughout was the Ansuz Acoustics Reference Signature Gold.
As usual, Lars was holding court with his vast array of musical entertainment, and this system took some very familiar tracks to new levels of transcendence. The facial expressions of those in the audience as we were encircled in sound were like something from an IMAX movie theater. For an odd shaped listening room with a bare minimum of acoustic treatment, I was astonished by the quality of sound that was realized. Bass response for the M3 Reference speakers was some of the best that I have ever experienced—hotel showroom or private listening room. Deep, powerful and tight. There was a startling level of immediacy without edge and ringing in the mids and highs that I have never heard via digital before. The advantages of a one vision and a one brand strategy/offering were clear to see and hear. I have to wonder what might be next for this team. More to come!
Ultra Fidelis Audio Room
Jonathan Spelt of Ultra Fidelis Audio was presenting his usual assortment of highly entertaining demonstration tracks and had me quite mesmerized. When I was ready to move on to the next room, my wife waived me back to my seat with a strong look that needed no explanation. She wanted to stay for some more music and maybe I should just sit down and enjoy the same! No problem agreeing to that request. I quickly provided a big smile and salute and settled back into my chair. The Vandersteen KENTO Carbon speakers at $41,700 were easily one of the most impressive speakers at the show and I was very willing to spend more time with them. There was a correctness of presentation and a musical coherency that kept me yearning for more!
The system also included the Vandersteen M5HPA amplifiers ($16,800), the Audio Research Reference 3SE phono ($15,000), the Reference 6E line stage ($18,000), and the DAC9 ($10,000). Audioquest cable was used throughout. Let's also not forget the important contributions from the analog front end including the AMG Viella Forte turntable ($22,000) and 12J Turbo tonearm ($8500). This was my first opportunity to hear the Lyra Atlas Lambda cartridge ($11,995), and I was very impressed—now firmly planted at the top of my "never to stop dreaming audio wish list." In contrast to all the hyper detailed analytical systems that seem to be the norm these days, this room was like a nice warm pair of slippers and a glass of single malt scotch on a very cold night. Totally enveloping, yet still so expressive and quite compelling! Great job Jonathan!
Audio-Ultra Room
Magico had a distinct presence in several rooms at AXPONA 2023. Please see the list below. The fact that all of these brands partnered with and chose Magico to present their own products at their very best says a bunch! Two of these rooms made my highlights list. The Audio-Ultra Room with the Magico A-1 speakers ($9400) really got my attention. Please also checkout my comments on the Constellation Room below. The two way stand mount A-1 speakers with their silver finish and contemporary stand from Sound Anchors, simply disappeared into the room. I was not surprised by the level of detail, speed and visceral impact that was provided—all are traditional Magico hallmarks. What really rocked my socks were the layers and layers of harmonic information and the timbral purity of the presentation.
Supported by a collaboration of superb CH Precision components, the A-1 speakers were able to shine at a price point that would be difficult to equal—even with a much bigger foot print. This included the CH Precision L-1 line stage ($34,500), the A1.5 stereo amplifier (39,500), and the C1.2 DAC ($36,000). Additional components included the Aurender N20 music server ($12,000), the StromTank Quantum MK II power conditioner ($27,000), a full loom of Audioquest cable, and a Critical Mass Systems Ultra Q rack. If you are a big Magico fan like me, please check out some of the most recent interviews with Alon Wolf (Magico founder and CEO) and the several Magico factory tours on YouTube. I found them fascinating! You will quickly understand why Magico is so well regarded and why these speakers stand so tall in the market place!
- Innuos Room - Magico A5 Speakers
- Luxman Room - Magico S5 Mk II Speakers and Magico QSub15
- Audio-Ultra Room - Magico A1 Speakers
- Constellation Audio Room - Magico M2 Speakers
- Krell Industries Room - Magico A5 Speakers
- A.T. Room - S5 Mk II Speakers
- Keces Audio Room - Magico A3 Speakers
- MSB Technology Room - Magico M2 Speakers
- Lumin Room - Magico A3 Speakers
- Magico Room - Magico S3 Speakers
Constellation Audio Room
The Constellation Audio Room was somewhat unique, in that the system utilized a fairly simple configuration with just a few components compared to most of the other rooms. However, the results were big time and quite appealing! Irv Gross from Constellation Audio is one of my favorites in the high end industry, and I was glad to see him again as he stepped me through the system and a vast assortment of demonstration tracks. The system included the Magico M2 speakers ($76,500) along with the Constellation Audio Pictor preamp ($24,500) and Audio Centaur II 500 stereo amplifier ($80,000). The primary source was the Aurender A20 network player ($15,000). A Puritan Audio Labs PSM 156 line conditioner ($2300) was used for all components. Cardas Clear cables were utilized throughout.
The one thing that really caught my eye and ears was the Constellation Audio Centaur II 500 amplifier. I have heard the Magico M2 speakers before, yet something very special was going on here. At 150 lbs and rated at 500 watts RMS into 8 ohms, 1000 watts RMS into 4 ohms, and 16,000 watts RMS into 2 ohms, the all discrete, fully balanced Center II 500 had plenty of juice. One might wonder why such a powerful amplifier was needed. We did not A/B the Center II 500 to something less, but my ears and my memory tell me that the Magico M2 speakers never sounded better. At 45 inches tall and 165 lbs, the M2 are not an extraordinarily large or demanding speaker in terms of size, efficiency or rated frequency range (26Hz-50kHz), but these babies were really rocking with all that power driving them! Bottom end weight and slam were strikingly real. Soundstage width and depth were expansive. Images were well layered and properly organized. There was a sweetness to the mids and highs that I rarely hear in solid state. Bravo to Irv and the folks at Constellation! This was a fantastic room!
Synergistic Research Room
I always enjoy stopping by the Synergistic Research room when attending these shows. Ted Denney (CEO) and Andy Weiderspahn (Vice President) continue to amaze me with the innovative technologies and new products that Synergistic Research brings to market each year. Their demonstrations are always educational, with plenty of interaction and open dialogue. Sometimes there are a few challenges from the audience, yet the proof is always in the listening. System components for this years platform were first rate as always and included the Estelon XB MKII speakers ($49,000), the Soulution 725 preamp ($60,000) and the Soloution 511 stereo amplifier ($38,500). Front end sources included the Berkeley Audio Design Alpha Reference 3 DAC ($28,000) and the Sonorus Audio ATR10 MKI Reel to Reel deck ($19,950).
The icing on the cake was the myriad of Synergistic Research products. Without listing them all, this included the Galileo Powercell SX ($27,995), Tranquilty Base Carbon XL ($3495), Tranquility Rack (24,995), Black Box ($1995), Galileo Active Ground Block MKII ($7,495), UEF Ethernet Switch ($2295) and a full loom of their flagship SRX cabling and power cords. There were several demonstrations of how sound quality was impacted with and without an assortment of SR products, but I found those demonstrations utilizing both the new Master Fuse ($595) and the Tranquility Pod Carbon ($895) the most interesting. Via a pair of identical Berkeley Alpha Reference 3 DACs (one with and one without the devices), the results were fairly dramatic and easy to hear. There was a clear drop in the noise floor and a substantial increase in dynamics when these products were utilized. I watched the physical reaction in the room as Ted made the comparisons. As always, it was fun to watch the many facial expressions and the body language communicate what they were hearing. Again, It was so easy to hear and experience the differences. Plenty of smiles all around after each change. Bottom line. The Synergistic Research Room provided some of the best sound quality at the show! Big time kudos to Ted and Andy!
Final Thoughts
As I usually find after leaving these types of events, it took me a couple days to relax all the senses and specifically my ears before sitting down to write my report. I always take another listen to my own system as an important benchmark to validate or negate my notes and feelings about what I heard. After some reflection, what I am realizing is that I am decidedly now moving more and more towards the "musical" and away from the "analytical" in my taste and preference. You may want to consider this as another caveat when considering my comments about the show, but I am also finding the same when discussing this topic with other industry members and audio buds. Regardless of the camp that you may find yourself, AXPONA had plenty to offer this year for all tastes and priorities. As a key objective, I applaud the AXPONA team for a job well done! It was great to see so many happy attendees enjoying this fantastic hobby and I am confident that we will see the same in the long term. Again, a big thank you to the supporting staff at AXPONA!
