HiFi PiG REVIEWER MICHAEL SHARES HIS NORTH WEST AUDIO SHOW 2025 HIGHLIGHTS

HiFi PiG’s Michael Fairbairn brings you his highlights of the spectacular NWAS 2025 show from Cranage Hall.
Here’s the highlights from what has become my favourite NWAS to date: My best rooms from across the two-day event, some of the genuinely gifted people I was fortunate enough to meet, and more of the sights and sounds that made this year’s NWAS so special.
Please note, all content and photos are the copyright of HiFi PiG Magazine/Big Pig Media LLP and must not be copied or reproduced in any way without the prior, written consent of the editor.


TECHNICS
Technics—an established mainstay of the HiFi world for some 40 years—has adopted a fitting slogan: ‘Rediscover your music’ It’s a relatable sentiment if you ever find yourself wanting to delve back into your physical media collection of CDs, or vinyl that you may have stored away under a bed, or if you have an inclination to invest in new versions / remixes / remasters on different formats, such as SACD, or even via digital streaming.
This Technics system caters for all your preferred audio sources. Two lovely decks: SL-1300G and SL-1200GR2. I had a good natter with Kevin Walker from Technics about them and the brand history. He couldn’t have been more patient and accommodating—not just with me, but with all the other punters in the room. A real credit to the brand. He suggested I ought to get one of these decks. I might, Kevin. I just might!
At one point, the gentleman next to me requested “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica, which was swiftly cued up via the SL-G700M2—Technics’ top-tier digital player that handles SACD, streaming, and DAC duties. It’s Roon Ready, supports MQA, and covers pretty much every service you’d want. The sound was impressively clean and detailed.
Playback was through the CX700 wireless, active speakers, which I have to say were a real standout—punching well above their weight, priced under £3,000. Clear, refined, and room-filling without ever becoming fatiguing. Completing the chain in the larger of the two systems was the SU-R1000, Technics’ flagship integrated amplifier. A serious piece of kit.
Anyway, back to the chap who asked for Metallica. He sat quietly, listening intently—clearly engrossed. When the track ended, he was visibly moved. It turned out the song had been a favourite of his late wife. A powerful, touching moment—and, really, the ultimate test of any system: emotional response. “That does it for me,” he said. He wasn’t just hearing the track; he was feeling it. The music connected on a deeply personal level.
It can be all too easy to engage your analytical side when comparing HiFi gear—more so for us HiFI Pig lot, it’s part of the gig, after all—I also found myself swept up in the moment though. From a technical perspective, the system had real gravity and breadth, with superb depth and layering. Dynamic control was excellent. But mostly? I was just sitting there with a big grin on my fizzog.
CAMBRIDGE
The focus here was on a few standout components that demonstrated Cambridge’s ability to deliver exceptional sound at a variety of price points.
‘Great music demands attention’ was the buzz marketing slogan here – if memory serves. Either way, it’s another good sentiment. It was surprising to realise that what we were listening to was coming from the newly launched MXW70 Compact Power Amplifier and Pre MXN10 Compact Network Player (together, priced at just £850!!) via £10k Dynaudio Contour Legacy speakers. That’s a bold pairing but one that might make you seriously consider investing in these two components for a listening area that would require a modest footprint. At sub £1k, these two bits of kit combined prove that a high-end price tag doesn’t always mean better sound. Expect big performance in a small, stylish form. With tight control over dynamics and a natural, balanced sound, this combination was impressive in its simplicity and effectiveness.
One of the real stars of the room was the Cambridge Evo One—an all-in-one wireless streaming speaker that combines 700W of amplification, a 14-speaker array, and Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic Gen 4 streaming platform. Despite its relatively compact form, the Evo One punches well above its weight, delivering room-filling sound with ease. One double take after another with this equipment, seriously. The minimalist design is sleek and modern, featuring VU meters that add a retro touch, making it feel like a piece of luxury furniture rather than just audio gear. It looked the business.
Listening to tracks with intricate grooves, percussion, and precise timing, it was clear that the system didn’t just sound good—it captured the finer details of the music, and every note seemed to hit with intent. The fine detail was especially evident in tracks like Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”.
The room also featured the EXN100 Network Streaming Player, with its striking lunar grey finish, a true showcase of Cambridge’s dedication to design and sound.
ALCHRIS AUDIO
Alchris Audio remained a standout this year — having genuinely blown away a fair number of people with the diminutive Booki bookshelf speakers at NWAS 2024. These are exceptional little performers that could easily convince you that you’re hearing the audio coming from large floorstanders.
This time the focus was on their new TX-5 standmounts (£1,750) and TX-9 floorstanders (£2,500). And once again, on the evidence of the volumes of people visiting the room, had plenty of interested music lovers hooked. A couple of great reviews for Alchris recently have no doubt raised the profile of the brand. One of which was ably written by our very own Oscar Stewart. He loved the TX-1s so much he bought them. Enough said really!
The build quality, finishes, and—most importantly—the sound are all leagues ahead of what their modest price points might suggest. Whoever remarked that Alan Clark has clearly nailed the pricing, especially in today’s financial climate, was spot on!
It was the TX-5s that were hooked up both times I visited. Yes, once just wasn’t enough. Much like the Booki, they delivered clarity, depth, and a natural, relaxed feel with every source. The system featured an EAR 834T amplifier, alongside a range of front ends: the Yaqin SD33A and Pioneer PDS-901 CD players, the Cambridge CXN V2 streamer, and a CTC-301 turntable fitted with a Shindo platter, SME 3009 tonearm, and Lyra Helikon SL cartridge. Quite the variety and a real feast for the eyes and ears. Alan’s room felt like your own living room or listening space might. Very cool!
Alan Clark’s choice to include components like the classic Pioneer stable platter CD player and Cambridge CXN streamer is no accident either. A while back, he posted something along the lines that he purchased it to demonstrate his speakers using ‘everyman’ gear — a smart, honest move that underscores real confidence in his own designs. It shows he’s not just relying on exotic, high-end equipment to make his speakers shine.
That ethos speaks volumes. Alchris is a small operation — just one man and one woman — and they’re as humble and grounded as the speakers themselves. There’s genuine passion behind this brand, and it absolutely shows. This is the kind of gear that gives you a taste of high-end audio without forcing you to dip into a five-figure budget. It makes the world of HiFi accessible to music fan of all levels, and that’s exactly why it’s so appealing. In a world where audio gear can often feel like an elitist club, Alchris manages to keep things both exceptional and approachable.
If you’re after truly musical, high-value loudspeakers crafted by people who care, look no further than Alchris.
AUDEN DISTRIBUTION – 1 OF 2
Next, it was the pleasure of experiencing Hegel’s audio setup, paired with Amphion Argon 3s standmount speakers in the smaller of the two Auden Distribution rooms on the lower ground floor. Andreas, the technical guru from Hegel, was providing a thorough and relatable presentation. His explanation of human hearing and perception was fascinating, particularly his analogy about early humans detecting predators through a shift in air and sound. It was a simple yet powerful way of explaining how we still rely on subtle shifts in timing and frequency to process sound.
As a parent, it was especially easy to connect with his real-life example of conducting audio tests while his kids listened to an audiobook in the background. It brought another sense of realism and relatability to the session, highlighting how the world around us influences our listening experiences.
One of the standout elements of the room was the Hegel Raven D50 Reference DAC and the Streamliner H400 Streaming Amplifier, both new to the market. The D50, priced at £4250, was the focal point, and once engaged, it truly showed its worth. When connected to the H400 amplifier, the sound became noticeably more refined. The lower noise floor was evident, but what struck me most was the change in how I felt the sound—more than just a technical difference, it was an emotional shift. The moment the DAC engaged in the chain, there was an undeniable improvement in depth and clarity, and I could see other listeners in the room share the same smile of recognition. Superb stuff!
AUDEN DISTRIBUTION – 2 OF 2 – THE BELL SUITE
The room itself, managed by Bill Leigh, was wonderfully laid out. With great lighting and a relaxing atmosphere, the space was perfectly balanced this year between the listening area and the product display section. The partition they had created between the two areas made it feel like a much bigger space; together but separate. That’s no mean feat. Especially, with the sheer amount, size, and weight of the collective goodies they had brought along. Kudos to all of them for the hard work and effort that must take before and after the event, for our listening pleasure.
The EgglestonWorks Kiva II speakers were a highlight paired with Hegel’s H600 streaming amplifier and the same approach to comparing with/without using the brand-new Hegel D50 DAC. A review of the latter coming soon to HiFi Pig, all being well. The simple, but hugely impressive combination provided a rich, full sound that was incredibly non-fatiguing. Whether listening at low or high volumes, the speakers delivered consistent, impactful sound without any loss of clarity or warmth. It was an excellent demonstration of how good speakers can handle the full spectrum of music without ever feeling strained or uncomfortable.
All in, the Auden Distribution experience was an eye-opening and enjoyable one. From the insightful explanations by Andreas to the exceptional performance of the gear, both rooms had that perfectly balanced technical excellence and emotional engagement. The Hegel DAC and amplifier brought a newfound depth to the music, while the Eggleston Works speakers made sure the sound was rich, full, and never tiring. Topping everything off was the use of Audiomica cabling throughout.
Bill and the Auden team are fantastic and a big thank you must go out to them for sponsoring the HIFI PiG media coverage. They’re not just professionals in the business, they are all downright lovely, and genuine people. They were so hospitable too and make you feel completely at ease when asking all sorts of questions, and browsing the array of fantastic Merason DACs, Amphion and more EgglestonWorks speakers, as well as turntables from Luphonic. The latter were very modern and almost futuristic in appearance. I could try to make some kind of joke here—something along the lines of “Several Scotsmen, Englishmen, Poles, and a Norwegian walk into HiFi a demo room…”—but honestly, if you haven’t dropped by to visit these folks, you really must make a point to do so next year.
AUDIOCOUNSEL WITH AUDIO NOTE AND BOB HARRIS
The Audiocounsel room was a real treat, showcasing an entirely Audio Note-based system. As if the quality gear wasn’t enough, we were also treated to the presence of Bob Harris, the legendary broadcaster, who brought his charm, insight, and personal touch to the experience.
Bob was on hand to share some of his favourite tracks, all on vinyl, while recounting fascinating stories about his time spent with the artists featured in the playlist. It was like stepping into a world of musical history and nostalgia. The lucky few crammed into the space knew we were in for a unique treat. It was a great atmosphere.
Before Bob kicked off his bit, they had Jason Isbell spinning on the CDT-Three transport, paired with the DAC2.1x Signature for digital playback. Hearing his lilting Americana on this setup was an absolute joy. The combination of these components brought out a warmth and depth in his music that made every strum of the guitar and every poignant lyric feel incredibly intimate.
For the analogue side of things, Audiocounsel had the TT-Three turntable with PSU Three, ARM-Three/II tonearm, IO 1 cartridge, and AN-S3/L phono stage. All of this was powered by the TT-Three Phono preamplifier and the Conqueror 300B SET stereo power amplifier, which drove a pair of AN-K/SPe speakers. The result was brilliant —natural, relaxed, and full of life. The analogue setup really came into its own with a track that was new to me: “Drinking for Two” by Cherry Ghost. It was a live recording, just the singer, piano, and acoustic guitar. The recording was so intimate, and the sound so inviting.
What really brought it all together, though, was Bob Harris himself. His presence was the highlight of the experience. Even in just an hour or so of listening to him talk, it was clear how passionate he is about music. We were treated to tracks from his personal vinyl collection, including gems from Del Shannon (his very first LP purchase), Love, and The Beach Boys. Playing “God Only Knows” was especially poignant, especially considering the recent passing of the brilliant Brian Wilson. Bob’s personal connection to the track, coupled with the fantastic sound coming through the Audio Note system, made the song even more emotional and engaging. His recounting of times spent with the likes of T-Bone Burnett (amazing producer), and John Lennon were simply enthralling to me.
His humour, wit, and endearing personality made the whole event feel even more special. He had an uncanny memory for detail, recalling stories and experiences with an enthusiasm that was infectious. It was also clear that he still genuinely loves the music, which was exemplified by playing the gorgeous, ‘Looks Like the End of the Road’, the opening track from ‘Arcadia’; the brand-new album by Alison Krauss & Union Station. His stories were a reminder that music is about more than just sitting down to listen; it’s about the people, the stories, and the connections that music creates.
Sometimes it’s all too easy to get bogged down by technical specs, but this event was a reminder of what really matters. It wasn’t just an opportunity to check out some fantastic gear, though that was a total bonus! The Audio Note system made it all possible, but it was the atmosphere and the stories that really brought the magic to life.
BRIAN AND TREVORS : DAVID SOLOMON FROM QOBUZ
After the warmth and richness of an all-analogue setup, the next stop was the Brian and Trevor’s room where David Solomon, Qobuz’s brand ambassador, was in full flow, taking us into the world of high-resolution digital streaming. How would a purely digital experience compare to the tactile warmth of vinyl? Well, it was equally engaging and downright enjoyable.
David’s presentation was as much about the joy of music as it was about the technology behind Qobuz, the high-resolution streaming platform at the heart of this setup. From the moment he began speaking, it was clear that this was a man who genuinely loves music. His enthusiasm was infectious, and his positive energy made it feel like experiencing the wonder of music for the very first time. His delivery was captivating—enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and backed by an evident passion for the platform and its potential to connect listeners with music in a way that was once only possible through physical media.
You could tell that David wasn’t just selling a service; he was sharing his excitement for a world of music discovery. One track that resonated was ‘Raleigh and Spencer’ by Tony Furtado Band. Again, another new discovery for me! So cool! Without Qobuz, I doubt I’d have found out about him. What a superb slide player. Think Bluegrass, blues, and country. Great mix!
The setup itself, centred around Linn components, was the “House of Linn” in full force. This was the first UK preview of the Linn Klimax Solo 500 mono power amplifiers, which paired beautifully with the rest of the system. The power and clarity they provided was breathtaking, and it immediately set the tone for a seriously immersive DJ session. Also hooked up was the Linn Klimax DSM Streaming Preamplifier, with every track coming to life with energy and precision. The Audiovector R6 Arrete Loudspeakers were in the setup during our visit, along with the lovely Quadraspire Audio Furniture.
Of course, the focus was the Qobuz high-resolution music stream, which had a level of clarity, depth, and detail that was captivating. The Melco N1 Music Server and Melco S1 Network Switch were also on the digital side of things, ensuring that every bit of the high-res stream was delivered with utmost clarity. The experience, compared to the previous traditional vinyl setup with Audio Note, wasn’t lesser, it was just different. The sound was cleaner, with sharper focus, but still so musical and inviting.
Also featuring was Puritan Power – these kept catching the eye in many, many of the rooms. Rightfully so, because the folks behind Puritan Audio Laboratories are some of the friendliest and most willing to help of anyone you could hope to meet. Got an issue with ground hum or mains? Look no further than their kit. You won’t be disappointed. A delightful pal, Stewart Cassell very kindly offered to post his PMS156 mains conditioner all the way from the South coast of England to near Edinburgh just for me to have a trial. Such a kind, generous, and selfless gesture. That just represents so many of the awesome people that attend Cranage every year. It’s also why so many of us keep coming back, year on year. Long may it last! I’ve got to know Mr. Cassell and many other like-minded souls via the Audiophiles UK. HiFi and Music Facebook group (hands down THEE BEST FB group – thanks to the kind soul that is Dave Robson – he’s a real gentleman with a big, kind heart)
Where were we? Oh, yes…One of the things that’s most exciting about Qobuz – and digital streaming in general – is the sheer amount of music available at the touch of a button. Of course, this can sometimes lead to a bit of choice paralysis, where you’re overwhelmed by the vastness of options. But the benefit of streaming, especially with a platform like Qobuz, is the world of music you may have never would have encountered otherwise. New artists, albums, genres, and obscure tracks. Qobuz can turn you on to so much new music.
As a side note, I recently had a momentary lapse of reason when I took a break from subscribing to Qobuz. On reflection, it really does just amount to the monetary equivalent of around two pints or a couple of decent bottles of wine a month, or three fancy coffees, if that’s more your thing. During the brief departure from digital streaming, I found myself getting back into my CD collection in a big way. The finite options were quite liberating, I must admit. But following this weekend, Qobuz is now back up and running. I honestly don’t know what I was thinking when I paused my subscription—glad to be back. I won’t be making that error of judgment again.
LUCAS AUDIO LAB – DAVID LABOGA
A real cool first for NWAS, unless I’m mistaken, was the presence of a designer/manufacturer that produces audio cabling for HiFi and guitars, and guitar rigs. As a guitarist myself, I was immediately drawn to this demo. David Laboga is a really switched on, younger guy who has established his name in the world of Rock and Metal, most notably by pairing with some of the true greats, such as: Scorpions, Aerosmith, Steve Lukather, Al Di Meola, Eric Gales, and many more.
What caught my attention at first is his affiliation with Guns N’ Roses virtuoso guitarist, Richard Fortus – or 4Tus, as he is sometimes known. David’s high end guitar cables found favour with Fortus, and the designer explained to me how is now working with the band to implement custom power-cabling solutions for their live setup. You don’t get much better endorsement than that on the World stage, in my humble opinion.
While this was the Lucas Audio Lab room, strictly speaking, featuring loads of other cool gear – the main star was Mr. Laboga. Um, note to Chief HiFi PiG Ed., I must admit to spending more time chatting to laid back Mr. Laboga than I did ogling the seriously high-end components on display here. His Custom Audio cables did look seriously amazing quality and luxurious. USB, Interconnects, speaker cables, and more. Fortunately, Oscar from HiFi PiG was paying more attention for his brilliant NWAS 2025 report. He wrote, “Lucas Audio Lab make a range of server/streamers and they had the new Golden Mini Max on demo with a Laiv Harmony DAC, Qualiton 300B push-pull amp and Horns Symphony 10 speakers – Laboga Reference Series cabling was used throughout. These horns worked incredibly well with the Lucas Audio Lab server and Qualiton valve amp. They played Daft Punk – Giorgio by Moroder through these, the sound was incredibly cohesive and dynamic, digging deep into the recording yet presenting it in an engaging way.” Yep, what he said! Note to self, must do better in class, must do better in class…
Kii
Always have a mental jaw drop moment in this room. Super simple setup, just wireless, Kii Seven active speakers, Tidal Connect and done. The sound? Effortless, tight, and seriously deep bass – even at low volume. Some pumping electro-banger going off during the short visit. Closest thing to a nightclub here. Just love it! Still amazes me how much these speakers can do, especially sitting close to the back wall. They’ve got a sleek, clean look, massive sound, no messing about. No clutter. £8k a pair, but honestly? Worth every penny. It’s a serious investment, but when you consider:
The integrated amplification. The room correction. The elimination of need for external gear. No need for painstakingly piecing together separates for similar performance. “How music is supposed to sound” – couldn’t agree more.
MORGAN ACOUSTICS
The first thing that hit me was the presence of the floorstanding 1012 or Ten-12 speakers in a small room. Their high-gloss black monolith with trapeze-shape atop had a striking style, reminiscent of Wilson speakers. They really should not have worked well in that modest space at all. Somehow, they very much did though. They could so easily have been too much for the modest suite, but they had a real sense of grace and class about them. The speakers – £38,800 a pair – were being driven by all Naim equipment, and the system showcased the speakers’ clarity and depth. The drive units incorporate: AMT, 7” midrange, 10” mid bass, and 12” woofer.
The sound was deep, room-filling bass without being overwhelming, and captivating vocal clarity that felt immediate and immersive. The track that grabbed me was by Angela Brown – ‘St James’ Infirmary (Live Edition)’. You were left with zero doubt that this superb blues/soulful singer had a gorgeous, sultry and demure timbre to her delivery. The way the speakers handled the sound was deft, like they were in full control of every nuance. The same was true with the impeccable handling of the drums. That kick just went so low and powerful it could be very much felt, as well as heard. Superb stuff. Another artist that has been added to the growing Qobuz library for yours truly.
What was equally impressive was the young designer, Dan, who has drawn on his background as an aerospace engineer, to produce his first ever product. He used his physics knowledge, largely taught by his beloved Grandfather, Morgan – namesake of the company, and the encouragement of some entrepreneurial friends to take the plunge by launching his business and introducing a product to challenge and better some of his peers in this tier. It’s clear that the spirit of problem-solving runs deep in the DNA. You can feel it in every detail, from the design principles to the exquisite craftsmanship.
Assembled by himself in Scotland, with components sourced globally, these speakers are a true blend of engineering precision and craft. A great Cranage debut. We’re not biased, much, but wish nothing but the very best to a fellow Scotsman in his HiFi journey. Hope to see him back at NWAS next year.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Anyway, that’s about it from me. Back in 2023, I was very much a newcomer to the scene. Fast forward to now, and I feel like I’ve really found my rhythm (pun fully intended, ahem). This year, I was able to explore more meaningfully and ultimately enjoy the event to its fullest. It was a conscious decision to spend more time talking to many of the exhibitors and it was even more rewarding for it. They genuinely all are so down to earth and humble.
All year long, I find myself looking forward to returning to Cranage. And yet, when the weekend finally arrives, it seems to pass by so quickly. The idyllic location in the heart of Cheshire is so well placed for people to get to. Even a slightly delayed journey down from Edinburgh didn’t dampen the spirits. Arriving at the venue feels like a real home from home.
We were made to feel so involved by all the amazing venue staff, and Kris Sawicki with his superb team did yet another sterling job of organising an amazing event. They really know their stuff! The attention to detail is second to none. Feeling spoiled doesn’t even come close to describing the whole show.
I have a genuine appreciation for everything I got to see and do. A wave of gratitude follows, when departing on Sunday afternoon, through the gates from the grand estate. I am always reminded just how fortunate, privileged even, I was to be part of it. As I’ve read and heard from so many others, Cranage isn’t just another HiFi. It’s a true community of like-minded people coming together, and the atmosphere is unmistakably real. The vibe? You can feel it. It’s tangible.
A special mention goes to our incredibly hardworking, always gracious HiFi PiG hosts Stu and Lin Smith for inviting us along for a wonderful evening meal out with a big group of genuinely lovely people—always a proper treat. I had the chance to meet and chat with loads of new, interesting faces, and even witnessed a few exciting personal and business partnerships starting to blossom. Until next year, thanks for all the fantastic marketing, promotion, and the best merch in the whole business. Did you manage to get yourself a little, pink squeaky pig, or your very own ‘I’m a HiFi PiG’ fan? Yes? Well, lucky you! No? Best get yourself back along to North West Audio Show 2026 to make sure you don’t miss out on whatever they have in store for us, for what will no doubt be an even better show than ever before.
For more North West Audio Show 2025 coverage, click here!
Please note, all content and photos are the copyright of HiFi PiG Magazine/Big Pig Media LLP and must not be copied or reproduced in any way without the prior, written consent of the editor.
Michael Fairbairn
With additional photography by John Scott