[caption id="attachment_15096" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Falcon Acoustics - My favorite experience at RMAF 2018 - The ultimate juxtaposition of LS3/5A monitors with an amazing story. Big thanks go out to Jerry Bloomfield for taking us on a journey.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15103" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Nola Metro Grand Reference Gold loudspeakers ($33,000/pr). One of two rooms where we mistakenly thought the subwoofer was included. Nice warm, sweet, and melodic tones with astounding soundstage width.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15104" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Wynn Audio never disappoints.
Turntable: Thales TTT-Compact II $14,850
Tonearm: Thales Statement tonearm $21,090
Cartridge: EMT JSD-VM $5,000
Phono: Karan Acoustics KA PH1 Phono $15,000
Pre/Power Amp: Karan Acoustics KA-I180 Integrated Amp $10,000
Speakers: Kiso Acoustics HB-X1 with Hawaiian Koa finish $20,000
Accessories: Entreq Poseidon Ground Box $5,000
Cables: ZenSati Seraphim and ZenSati Zorro cables. HUGE sound from tiny speakers. Imaging was done to perfection. Amazing articulation and refinement over the entire spectrum. Very, very impressive.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15113" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Wynn Audio's second room was even more spectacular.
CD Player: Kalista DreamPlay One $43,000
Preamp: Karan Acoustics KA L Ref $17,000
Power amp: Karan Acoustics KA S400 $18,000
Speakers: Penaudio Legato Signature $11,000
Cables: ZenSati Seraphim and ZenSati Zorro cables. Aside from the Nola room, this was the only other room I mistakenly thought there was a sub in the room. My jaw dropped at the amount of bass these skinny, little guys were producing. It doesn't stop there. It was one of those systems that had a nice balance of everything HiFi. A very unassuming setup but one of my favorites at the show.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15114" align="alignnone" width="680"]
USA Tube Audio. All new
Ayon Audio gear with Lumen Kyara White speakers ($49,900) - Always a fun room. Ayon S-10 network streamer vacuum tube preamp ($8,300), Ayon Auris preamp ($10,500), Ayon Epsilon Gen 4 monoblock amplifiers ($18,000 each).[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15121" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Abyss Phi CC ($4,995) with JPS Labs Superconductor HP cable.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15122" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Abyss Diana Phi - The best look for the Diana.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15131" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Real estate is expensive. We need more high-end speakers we could place up against the wall! Here we have the world premiere of the
Larsen 9. The beautiful curved wood grain finish, top-of-the-line illuminator ScanSpeak drivers, Danish Jensen crossovers, and Furutech connectors - all contribute to a projection of sound, unlike many others. Very clear, precise, and enjoyable.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15133" align="alignnone" width="680"]
DeVore Fidelity Orangutan Reference, 4-piece loudspeaker system. A splendid balance of warmth and clarity. Pricing expected to be ~$80,000.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15138" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Parasound showing off their new JC 5 (which we've recently reviewed) with Tekton Electron SE ($4,000/pr) loudspeakers and Straightwire cabling. The Aurender A10 was on server duties followed by their new Halo P 6 preamplifier and DAC. Exceptionally smooth and clear sound with wonderful body and dynamics.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15143" align="alignnone" width="680"]
VIMBERG Mino loudspeakers ($29,000), TIDAL Audio Preos preamp ($32,900), Impulse Dual monoblocks ($33,000). TW-Acustic Raven AC-1 turntable ($15,500), 10.5 tonearm ($5,500). Transfiguration Proteus cartridge ($6,000). Antipodes DX Gen 3 music server ($7,800). Six-figure TIDAL DNA at a much lower price point.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15154" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Hemingway Audio showcased a pair of Tekton Design Encores ($8,000). At this point, I've been pretty impressed with the Tekton speakers. Unfortunately, I have Trypophobia, which means I'll need some grills. Incredible sound from this room. Very, very quiet (I'm guessing it's the Sound Application power conditioner), perfect imaging, very dynamic, and just addictively transparent. I'll have to get some of their gorgeous cables in.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15155" align="alignnone" width="680"]
The only room with a
Sound Application power conditioner - quite possibly the best conditioner on the planet. Starts at $20,000.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15157" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Bowers and Wilkins 800 D3, 3-way loudspeakers ($30,000). An elegant display with Simaudio Moon electronics. Didn't spend much time in this room due to discussions in the room but had enough time to admire these exquisite looking speakers.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15162" align="alignnone" width="680"]
I expected a bright sound. I didn't get one. Very silky, smooth, dense, and resolving from these B&W 606s.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15163" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Andrew Jones is demonstrating
ELAC's new Navis wireless speakers ($2,000/pr). A pure analog signal path. No DSP. Supports Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon, and Bluetooth. Are you embracing this movement towards active speakers? We're starting to.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15169" align="alignnone" width="680"]
These
Kanto Tuks pack a punch! Expected to be released early 2019.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15172" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Paradigm Persona B in pink...[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15176" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Paradigm Persona B - On the brighter side of neutral, but fun![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15177" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Removable face plate on the
Borresen 02 (starts at $45,000)...[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15178" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Borresen 03 (Starts at $66,000) - 89 dB, 35Hz-50kHz, 4 ohms. A rich and liquid sound. Some of the prettier floorstanders at the show.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15181" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Borresen 01 (Starts at $30,000) - 2-way compact monitor. I love the design of these bookshelves.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15186" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Benchmark announces their LA4 preamplifier, DAC3 B, and HPA4 headphone amplifier. I've been thoroughly impressed with their latest offerings - including their AHB2 power amplifier.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15187" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Benchmark AHB2 power amplifier in dual mono mode.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15198" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Raidho Room - The new
Scansonic HD MB-5B. Aside from the outer appearance, this MB-5B has new drivers, flow-optimized enclosure, and new linear phase crossover design. Euphoric, organic, and sweet.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15202" align="alignnone" width="680"]
We never heard the
Rockport Cygnus ($62,500) sound this good. Must be that new
Nagra HD DAC X ($65,000) or possibly the Nagra HD Monoblock amplifiers ($86,000). Or everything else. Interconnects, phono cables, and power cords were
Argento Audio Flow Master Reference (FMR).[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15214" align="alignnone" width="680"]
High End by OZ plays the
Audio Solutions Figaro XL loud and proud. You get a lot of speaker (literally) for only $15,000. Percussions in particular sound powerful on this setup. A very densely melodic signature with sprinkles of transparency and detail.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15217" align="alignnone" width="680"]
These
Alsyvox Botticelli planar-magnetics ($87,000) driven by
Omega Audio Concepts electronics were a pleasant surprise at the show. It's a 3-way with a woofer panel, mid/tweeter, and super tweeter. It exhibited perhaps the best balance of body, warmth, clarity, brilliance, and imaging. I was captivated by its imagery and ability to paint such an ethereal musical image. One Crazy Rich Asian even asked if they could ship one to Singapore. :) I don't blame him![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15228" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Canton Reference 3k loudspeakers ($15,600) with
Esoteric electronics. Systems usually don't get quieter or more articulate than this. I do prefer a warmer tone but appreciate the level of finesse and tonal clarity. There were fine layers of contrast and acuity that really made this system shine.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15240" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Zu Audio - Always bumpin' some good shit.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15239" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Pass Labs XA25 - The centerpiece.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15247" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Gryphon Audio Designs debuts their new Zena Preamplifier (starting at $17,500). The system was noticeably clearer, quieter, and more refined over last year. And it sounded great last year. Musical, robust, and seductive. That is the nature of the Gryphon.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15250" align="alignnone" width="680"]
The
Nordost room (and
YG speakers) never sounded this good. Whatever you're doing, keep doing it.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15259" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Those are some rare JBLs...[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15263" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Purist Audio Design room was romantic, divine, and emotionally engaging. Difficult to point out any faults in this system.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15269" align="alignnone" width="680"]
No music playing when we entered the
Legacy Audio/Raven Audio room - but damn, look at those monsters.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15275" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Joseph Audio - One of the most stunning floorstanders I've ever seen. The Joseph Audio Perspectives ($12,999/pr) fronted by Doshi electronics and Cardas cabling had warm, musical flow, with a subtle sophistication.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15277" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Analysis Audio Omega Full Range Planar-Ribbon Loudspeakers ($24,000/pr). Arion Audio HS-500 Monaural amps ($6,295/pr), LS-100 Line Stage ($3,495), JPS Labs power cords, VPI Avenger Reference turntable, RealTraps acoustic treatments, and PonTunes vibration control devices.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15288" align="alignnone" width="680"]
The
Innuos Statement music server ($13,750). Check out our YouTube video for more info.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15292" align="alignnone" width="680"]
This is the best the
Well Pleased AV room has ever sounded. Taking note of the Innuos Statement and Qln Prestige Three loudspeakers in the room - and it's no surprise. One of the most transparent systems at the show. Aside from resolution, its imaging capabilities are world class.[/caption]
Falcon Acoustics - My favorite experience at RMAF 2018 - The ultimate juxtaposition of LS3/5A monitors with an amazing story. Big thanks go out to Jerry Bloomfield for taking us on a journey.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15103" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Nola Metro Grand Reference Gold loudspeakers ($33,000/pr). One of two rooms where we mistakenly thought the subwoofer was included. Nice warm, sweet, and melodic tones with astounding soundstage width.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15104" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Wynn Audio never disappoints. Turntable: Thales TTT-Compact II $14,850 Tonearm: Thales Statement tonearm $21,090 Cartridge: EMT JSD-VM $5,000 Phono: Karan Acoustics KA PH1 Phono $15,000 Pre/Power Amp: Karan Acoustics KA-I180 Integrated Amp $10,000 Speakers: Kiso Acoustics HB-X1 with Hawaiian Koa finish $20,000 Accessories: Entreq Poseidon Ground Box $5,000 Cables: ZenSati Seraphim and ZenSati Zorro cables. HUGE sound from tiny speakers. Imaging was done to perfection. Amazing articulation and refinement over the entire spectrum. Very, very impressive.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15113" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Wynn Audio's second room was even more spectacular. CD Player: Kalista DreamPlay One $43,000 Preamp: Karan Acoustics KA L Ref $17,000 Power amp: Karan Acoustics KA S400 $18,000 Speakers: Penaudio Legato Signature $11,000 Cables: ZenSati Seraphim and ZenSati Zorro cables. Aside from the Nola room, this was the only other room I mistakenly thought there was a sub in the room. My jaw dropped at the amount of bass these skinny, little guys were producing. It doesn't stop there. It was one of those systems that had a nice balance of everything HiFi. A very unassuming setup but one of my favorites at the show.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15114" align="alignnone" width="680"]
USA Tube Audio. All new Ayon Audio gear with Lumen Kyara White speakers ($49,900) - Always a fun room. Ayon S-10 network streamer vacuum tube preamp ($8,300), Ayon Auris preamp ($10,500), Ayon Epsilon Gen 4 monoblock amplifiers ($18,000 each).[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15121" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Abyss Phi CC ($4,995) with JPS Labs Superconductor HP cable.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15122" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Abyss Diana Phi - The best look for the Diana.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15131" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Real estate is expensive. We need more high-end speakers we could place up against the wall! Here we have the world premiere of the Larsen 9. The beautiful curved wood grain finish, top-of-the-line illuminator ScanSpeak drivers, Danish Jensen crossovers, and Furutech connectors - all contribute to a projection of sound, unlike many others. Very clear, precise, and enjoyable.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15133" align="alignnone" width="680"]
DeVore Fidelity Orangutan Reference, 4-piece loudspeaker system. A splendid balance of warmth and clarity. Pricing expected to be ~$80,000.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15138" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Parasound showing off their new JC 5 (which we've recently reviewed) with Tekton Electron SE ($4,000/pr) loudspeakers and Straightwire cabling. The Aurender A10 was on server duties followed by their new Halo P 6 preamplifier and DAC. Exceptionally smooth and clear sound with wonderful body and dynamics.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15143" align="alignnone" width="680"]
VIMBERG Mino loudspeakers ($29,000), TIDAL Audio Preos preamp ($32,900), Impulse Dual monoblocks ($33,000). TW-Acustic Raven AC-1 turntable ($15,500), 10.5 tonearm ($5,500). Transfiguration Proteus cartridge ($6,000). Antipodes DX Gen 3 music server ($7,800). Six-figure TIDAL DNA at a much lower price point.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15154" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Hemingway Audio showcased a pair of Tekton Design Encores ($8,000). At this point, I've been pretty impressed with the Tekton speakers. Unfortunately, I have Trypophobia, which means I'll need some grills. Incredible sound from this room. Very, very quiet (I'm guessing it's the Sound Application power conditioner), perfect imaging, very dynamic, and just addictively transparent. I'll have to get some of their gorgeous cables in.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15155" align="alignnone" width="680"]
The only room with a Sound Application power conditioner - quite possibly the best conditioner on the planet. Starts at $20,000.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15157" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Bowers and Wilkins 800 D3, 3-way loudspeakers ($30,000). An elegant display with Simaudio Moon electronics. Didn't spend much time in this room due to discussions in the room but had enough time to admire these exquisite looking speakers.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15162" align="alignnone" width="680"]
I expected a bright sound. I didn't get one. Very silky, smooth, dense, and resolving from these B&W 606s.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15163" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Andrew Jones is demonstrating ELAC's new Navis wireless speakers ($2,000/pr). A pure analog signal path. No DSP. Supports Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon, and Bluetooth. Are you embracing this movement towards active speakers? We're starting to.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15169" align="alignnone" width="680"]
These Kanto Tuks pack a punch! Expected to be released early 2019.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15172" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Paradigm Persona B in pink...[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15176" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Paradigm Persona B - On the brighter side of neutral, but fun![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15177" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Removable face plate on the Borresen 02 (starts at $45,000)...[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15178" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Borresen 03 (Starts at $66,000) - 89 dB, 35Hz-50kHz, 4 ohms. A rich and liquid sound. Some of the prettier floorstanders at the show.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15181" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Borresen 01 (Starts at $30,000) - 2-way compact monitor. I love the design of these bookshelves.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15186" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Benchmark announces their LA4 preamplifier, DAC3 B, and HPA4 headphone amplifier. I've been thoroughly impressed with their latest offerings - including their AHB2 power amplifier.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15187" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Benchmark AHB2 power amplifier in dual mono mode.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15198" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Raidho Room - The new Scansonic HD MB-5B. Aside from the outer appearance, this MB-5B has new drivers, flow-optimized enclosure, and new linear phase crossover design. Euphoric, organic, and sweet.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15202" align="alignnone" width="680"]
We never heard the Rockport Cygnus ($62,500) sound this good. Must be that new Nagra HD DAC X ($65,000) or possibly the Nagra HD Monoblock amplifiers ($86,000). Or everything else. Interconnects, phono cables, and power cords were Argento Audio Flow Master Reference (FMR).[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15214" align="alignnone" width="680"]
High End by OZ plays the Audio Solutions Figaro XL loud and proud. You get a lot of speaker (literally) for only $15,000. Percussions in particular sound powerful on this setup. A very densely melodic signature with sprinkles of transparency and detail.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15217" align="alignnone" width="680"]
These Alsyvox Botticelli planar-magnetics ($87,000) driven by Omega Audio Concepts electronics were a pleasant surprise at the show. It's a 3-way with a woofer panel, mid/tweeter, and super tweeter. It exhibited perhaps the best balance of body, warmth, clarity, brilliance, and imaging. I was captivated by its imagery and ability to paint such an ethereal musical image. One Crazy Rich Asian even asked if they could ship one to Singapore. :) I don't blame him![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15228" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Canton Reference 3k loudspeakers ($15,600) with Esoteric electronics. Systems usually don't get quieter or more articulate than this. I do prefer a warmer tone but appreciate the level of finesse and tonal clarity. There were fine layers of contrast and acuity that really made this system shine.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15240" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Zu Audio - Always bumpin' some good shit.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15239" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Pass Labs XA25 - The centerpiece.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15247" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Gryphon Audio Designs debuts their new Zena Preamplifier (starting at $17,500). The system was noticeably clearer, quieter, and more refined over last year. And it sounded great last year. Musical, robust, and seductive. That is the nature of the Gryphon.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15250" align="alignnone" width="680"]
The Nordost room (and YG speakers) never sounded this good. Whatever you're doing, keep doing it.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15259" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Those are some rare JBLs...[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15263" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Purist Audio Design room was romantic, divine, and emotionally engaging. Difficult to point out any faults in this system.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15269" align="alignnone" width="680"]
No music playing when we entered the Legacy Audio/Raven Audio room - but damn, look at those monsters.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15275" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Joseph Audio - One of the most stunning floorstanders I've ever seen. The Joseph Audio Perspectives ($12,999/pr) fronted by Doshi electronics and Cardas cabling had warm, musical flow, with a subtle sophistication.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15277" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Analysis Audio Omega Full Range Planar-Ribbon Loudspeakers ($24,000/pr). Arion Audio HS-500 Monaural amps ($6,295/pr), LS-100 Line Stage ($3,495), JPS Labs power cords, VPI Avenger Reference turntable, RealTraps acoustic treatments, and PonTunes vibration control devices.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15288" align="alignnone" width="680"]
The Innuos Statement music server ($13,750). Check out our YouTube video for more info.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_15292" align="alignnone" width="680"]
This is the best the Well Pleased AV room has ever sounded. Taking note of the Innuos Statement and Qln Prestige Three loudspeakers in the room - and it's no surprise. One of the most transparent systems at the show. Aside from resolution, its imaging capabilities are world class.[/caption]