Capital Audiofest 2025: Another North American High-End Audio Show Turns 15

Chesky Audio

Chesky Audio LC2 speakers, $2K, Schitt Wotan amplifier, $1999, Schitt Karr preamplifier, $799, Schitt Yggdrasil Singular DAC, $3500, Schitt Loki Max F equalizer, $1600

Lucca Chesky's Audio LC2 speakers were among, if not the, biggest surprises of the show. His new and larger LC2 speakers were significantly better sounding than their smaller brothers shown at last year's CAF (now I don't know how much, if any, equalization was being done here.) The 3D printed, monocoque double walled speakers with new drivers just had a very natural balance to them, eschewing that oh-so typical tipped up sound of speakers at this price point. According to Lucca, it takes a couple of days to "print" the cabinet but that limitation is overcome by using (a new term to me) a "printer farm." The LC2 speakers demonstrated a very impressive soundstage, bass and resolution.

Coherence Systems

Sorcerer X4 AC harmonic resonator conditioner, $4000 (larger unit); $3000 (smaller unit)

I remember Bill Stierhout from his Quantum Audio products days some three decades ago (one of my trusted Ultimate Audio reviewers and audiobuddies Lars Fredell swore by his devices). Bill went on to develop products for companies such as Nordost and has now introduced the Sorcerer X4 power line conditioner that he says "injects" a digital signal to reduce harmonics, noise and other garbage on the AC line. (See review HERE)

Command Performance AV (Democracy Room)

Marten Mingus Quintet V2 Statement speakers, $120K, Gryphon Antileon Revelation amplifier, $50K, Gryphon Essence preamplifier, $21,500, Doshi Audio EVO phonostage, $24K, J. Sikora Standard Max Supreme turntable, $41K, J. Sikora KV Max 12-inch Tonearm, $16K, Aidas Violet Gold LE cartridge, $7375, Aurender N50 Music Server, $38.5K, Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference 3P, $34K, Transparent Audio Connoisseur-Level XL and Opus series cables

How is it possible? Jeff Fox and crew keep going back in time and I keep going forward. This year's show theme was music from the 70s. The Command Performance AV room starred the release of several new products in the main room including the long awaited debut of Gryphon's latest Antileon Revelation stereo amplifier and Aurender music server. I really didn't get much listening time in since my musical choices didn't exactly fit into the room's format.