AXPONA 2026 Report Part Three

April 27, 2026

OUR FINAL WRITTEN REPORT FROM AXPONA 2026 COVERS THE FINAL FLOORS OF THE SHOW

AXPONA 2026 Report Part Three
hifi show report

Join Oscar and Kelly as they cover the top four floors of the Hotel Tower section of AXPONA 2026…plus find out who won the Golden PiG award at this show!

Have you read the previous reports from Oscar and Kelly at AXPONA 2026? Check out our AXPONA 2026 Report Part One here (floors 1 to 4) and AXPONA 2026 Report Part Two here (floors 5 to 11).

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.

12th Floor

Geshelli Labs / Neil Blanchard – 1202

DIY speakers in this room, using transmission line design and partnered with Geshelli Labs kit, including their TORC DAC, Giuseppe pre-amp, G-BLOK power amps, and Singxer USB audio bridge.

Geshelli Labs – 1204

Next up was a room filled with headphone setups, using various Geshelli products such as the TORC DAC, ARCHEL3 Pro amp, and more. The TORC DAC is interesting, as it is modular and you can change out the DAC chip and op-amps, to tailor it to your sonic preference.

Geshelli Labs – 1205

Geshelli had their TORC modular DAC in this room too, alongside their G-Blok monoblock amps, powering a pair of SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle.

Tone Imports – 1206

In this room you had the Leben HiFi CS-600X tube integrated amplifier and the Sugden Audio A21SE integrated amplifier, driving a pair of Revival Audio Atalante 3 loudspeakers. The source was a Wattson Madison digital streamer paired with a Tellurium Q Black Diamond digital cable.

The system was supported by a Shindo Laboratory Mr. T 6-outlet conditioner and housed on Box Furniture MD4 modular audio furniture, with the entire setup connected via Toneline interconnects and speaker cables.

Magnetar Lounge – 1210

A full AV setup in this room with Perlisten A3t front speakers, A3m as the centre channel, Magnetar blu-ray players, and a Primare SPA25 receiver/amplifier – they were playing a clip from the F1 movie, and it was very engaging.

YG Acoustics / Glenn Poor’s Audio Visual – 1209

In here you had a pair of YG Acoustics TOR speakers with matching stands, a Luxman PD-191A turntable, D-10X SACD player, L-100 integrated amplifier, and Adept Response mains conditioner.

Metaxas & Sins – 1214

Instantly recognisable, Metaxas & Sins products are true works of art, they had their Omni electrostatic speakers in this room with a pair of SVS SB-3000 R/Evolution subs. They also had their Tourbillon reel-to-reel playing into a Soulution 326 pre-amp, running into a pair of 511 mono amps – always a mad room with plenty of eye-catching kit.

GlaXfi – 1215

Glass drivers in this room, incorporated into speakers from GlaXfi – they are using drivers from GAIT acoustics. From people in the know, I have heard that glass is quite a good material for drivers, and I think these drivers will end up finding their way into other speakers in the future.

Fidelity Imports – 1218

In the first Fidelity Imports room on this floor you had the new Cambridge Audio CXA81 MKII Black edition integrated amplifier, driving a pair of Perlisten A4t floorstanding speakers. The sources were a Cambridge CXN100 SE Black Edition network streamer and a Cambridge CXC SE Black Edition CD transport. I was pleasantly surprised at how well this “budget” integrated amp was driving these $7000 floor standing speakers.

Fidelity Imports / Cambridge – 1221

Fidelity Imports have recently been announced as the US distributor for Cambridge Audio, and in this room you had the first US public showing of their new L/R X active speakers. The trio of models was announced at the beginning of the year, and the L/R X is the largest model in the range.

They were doing a fantastic job of filling the room with sound that has far more muscle than their size would suggest, and they weren’t even being pushed hard to do so. Active speakers are gaining in popularity and these look to be promising for their price.

Around the room you had more Cambridge models, including the Evo One, L/R S, and L/R M speakers.

Fidelity Imports / Perlisten – 1222

In this room you had the Primare SPA25 Prisma home theatre integrated amplifier and A35.2 stereo amplifier, driving a pair of Perlisten X5w on-wall speakers supported by R18s and D3is subwoofers. The source was the Primare Allt-i-Ett all-in-one system, with the SP25 Prisma home theatre processor.

I can’t recall the track that was playing, but it was brilliant, and showed how big and punchy this system could sound, from on-wall speakers; a very impressive sounding setup in this room.

Fidelity Imports / Wilson Benesch / Matrix Audio – 1225

In here you had the Audia Flight FLS1 stereo preamp and a pair of FLS8 mono amps, driving a pair of Wilson Benesch Discovery 3zero floorstanding speakers. The source was a Matrix Audio TS-1 streamer / DAC – which some of you may know, I use in my main system, and it’s fantastic for the price.

Fidelity Imports / Opera / Thoress – 1226

In this room you had the Thöress EHT integrated amplifier, driving a pair of Opera Loudspeakers Quinta V2 floorstanding speakers. The source was a Matrix Audio TS-1 streamer / DAC, with the entire system connected via VIABLUE cabling.

Fidelity Imports / Michell / Unison Research – 1229

Last year we were lucky enough to be invited to the launch of the Michell Revolve and Gyro (read all about it and see our factory tour here) and I’ll give a shout out to Jonathan Nye from Michell for playing some cracking music in this room – it sounded brilliant and was one of our top rooms from the whole show.

Kit wise you had the Unison Research Unico PRE V2 stereo preamp and Unico DM V2 amplifier, driving a pair of Opera Loudspeakers Callas Diva Edizione Speciale floorstanding speakers. The analogue source was a Michell Gyro turntable, Cusis S cartridge, and Michell Apollo phono preamp with Muse power supply unit.

Fidelity Imports / Diptyque – 1230

Fidelity Imports had the Kora High Fidelity PR140 preamp (with DAC and phono stages) and the TA480 amplifier, driving a pair of diptyque DP160 planar magnetic speakers in this room. The sources included a Kora CD140 CD player and a Matrix Audio TS-1 Streamer / DAC, providing both digital and analogue playback options for the system.

Fidelity Imports / Acoustic Energy – 1233

In this room you had the Cambridge EXA100 integrated amplifier, driving a pair of Acoustic Energy Corinium floorstanding speakers, the source was a Cambridge EXN100 network player. At the side of the room you had a pair of the AE1 40th Anniversary stand mount speakers too.

Fidelity Imports / Ruark – 1234

Ruark had the Ruark R610 streaming integrated amplifier, driving a pair of Talisman floor standing speakers or Sabre R standmount speakers, supported by an RS1 subwoofer. The sources included a CD100 USB CD drive, with the R810 and R410 table radios and MR1 powered speakers also on display.

They were playing through the Sabre R standmounts when we were in the room, having heard the new Talisman floor standing speakers at the Bristol show. For one of the cheapest setups at the show, this was a fantastic sounding room – with an energetic, engaging, yet fatigue free sound – a lot of sound for your money here.

Fidelity Imports / Matrix Audio / Wilson Benesch – 1239

In here you had the Wilson Benesch Horizon speakers, paired with a full Matrix Audio setup consisting of their MS-1 streamer, MA-1 power amplifier, SS-1 Pro network switch, SC-1 Reference Clock, MP-1 Pre-amp, and SI-1 network isolator. Matrix Audio’s new design language, along with excellent sound, really deserves a bit more recognition, having watched them grow as a brand from basic DACs and headphone amps to where they are now.

Apos Audio – 1240

Mostly full of headphone kit, including plenty of the Apos x Community bits, the main thing that caught my eye were the Apos x Commnuity K1K – a new headphone based on the legendary AKG K1000. These are still a prototype, but they are sounding excellent and quite close to the original K1000, I am looking forward to their release and will be keeping an eye on their development.

You also had a full stack of the new Matrix Audio desktop kit, including their new DAC, headphone amp, and rack for it all to sit on.

Kanto – 1242

Kanto revealed two new models at AXPONA, in their first room they had all their usual models on display and demo, with remote switching for easy A/B’ing between models.

In the next room they had the new models, the refreshed TUK, and TUK Grand – a new, bigger flagship TUK speaker. These both have real presence and drive, and look to be great value as per Kanto’s ethos – the only thing missing in my opinion is HDMI Arc input.

Odyssey – 1245

Lots of kit in this room, including an Odyssey Audio Meilenstein power amp, Symphonic Line Reference tube pre-amp, CD player, VPI Titan Direct turntable, Magnan cables, and Odyssey Audio Kismet speakers – I liked the layout of this room, it gave it a great atmosphere.

14th Floor

SVS – 1442/4

Featured in room 1442 was their Ultra Evolution speakers in a 5.2.4 setup, with a pair of SB-3000 R/Evolution subwoofers – what a blast with impressive imaging, and incredible depth.

They also unveiled their new Micro 3000 R/Evolution sub, featuring dual 9” opposing woofers, room optimisation, and extension down to 20Hz (-3dB) from a compact cabinet – I really hope to test one of these in the near future.

In room 1444 SVS had a 2ch system with their Ultra Evolution Pinnacle speakers in the main system, alongside a 2nd system featuring their Evolution bookshelf speakers.

Brunoco Audio – 1440

Brunoco had the BRUNOCO TERRA 300B integrated and the TERRA 6L6PP integrated amplifiers in this room, driving a pair of BRUNOCO M2 hybrid horn-bass reflex speakers. They were using a Brunoco TDA1541A DAC in the system too.

Kii Audio – 1441

We are no strangers to Kii, and they had their superb Seven paying in this room, with the Three BXT system also in the room, as they switched between them throughout the show.

Vandersteen Audio – 1434

A busy room, with only standing space, you had the Vandersteen Audio Kento Carbon on demo, with M5-HPA amplifiers, Aurender Server/streamer, Audio Research pre-amp and DAC, AMG turntable with Lyra Atlas cartridge, and Audioquest cabling and mains conditioning. There was a brand-new line stage from Vandersteen in here too, with fully defeatable tone circuitry, stereo/mono modes, and matrix functions.

American Audio & Video – 1433

You had the new Dual CS 618Q dirct-drive turntable on display in here, alongside a demo system with both the Spendor Classic 2/3 and A7.2 speakers, Dual CS529 turntable, Violectric PPA V790 phono stage, Parasound P6 pre-amp, and Parasound A23+ power amp.

Well Please AV – 1430

In this room you had the Norse X2 pre-amplifier driving a pair of Norse X1 mono block amplifiers, which in turn powered the QLN Prestige Five Gen 2 loudspeakers. The source was an XACT Audio S1 EVO music server paired with an XACT N1 network switch and a Merason DAC2 with a Norse X5 power supply.

The system was supported by a GigaWatt PowerMaster conditioner, an AB-Tech STILL ethernet isolator, and an SGR Audio Statement Rack, with the entire system connected via Next Level Tech Ether Series speaker and XLR interconnects.

American Audio & Video – 1429

This room was basically a bar when we visited, and a much-needed cold beer was consumed. Bar aside, they had a range of Q acoustics speakers on demo, alongside a Goldring GR3 turntable, and full Burson stack of electronics. I’ve followed Burson for quite a while, and it’s good to see them getting some more attention at shows, the next models from them look fantastic too. There was also a lineup of headphones from Fostex in this room too.

Cymatix / Trinnov – 1426

In this room you had a pair of Cymatix speakers, running of a Bob Carver RAM285 amplifier, Cary CD303/300 HDCD player, Grimm MU2 streamer/server and Constellation Audio Inspiration 2 pre-amp. There were a few other Cymatix models on display around the room, and they were using Caprice Audio + Romeo Cables in the system.

MADO Speakers – 1425

Well, these certainly are mad MADO speakers, the styling is certainly unique and perhaps a little erm… Anyway, these are based off some old tech, and were being run off some quite DIY looking valve amps, with a modified Oppo BDP-105 as the source (it has a valve output stage, interesting), alongside a slightly more mainstream Elekit amp, and AudioQuest mains conditioning.

Treehaus Audiolab – 1422

This is always an interesting room, with mad looking speakers made from real wood, usually with a live edge. On demo you had the Treehaus Audiolab Special Projects system, featuring their Phantom of Luxury speakers driven by a combination of 300B-4 monoblock amplifiers and Hypex Class-D amplification. The system also included a Treehaus preamplifier, LCR phono stage, field coil power supply, and a modified Finemet MC step-up transformer. Additional products from Iconoclast Cables, Imersiv, and DaVa field coil cartridges were also featured in the system, alongside an SME Model 12 MK2 turntable, SME Series V tonearm, and AudioQuest mains conditioning.

Linkwitz – 1421

Linkwitz had their usual models on display, these are a bit “out there” too in terms of their design, they still have a lot of fans though.

Wattson Audio / CH Precision – 1418

It was great to see the folks from CH Precision / Wattson Audio at the show, they had the Wattson Madison Streamer, Power Supply, and Power amp on demo driving a pair of Magico S2 speakers. This was big sound from such compact little devices, and never lacking in sound quality – the system used Nordost cabling throughout, the Wattson Audio products are mighty impressive for their size.

jPorter Studios – 1415

Last year, this was one of the more interesting rooms, and this year Jeremy had a new model – the Wellington Micro. This is an active speaker in the size and shape of the Waterloo Micro, but with different components and it has been fully optimised to be used with the Hypex modules they are using. They did also have the Waterloo Micro passive speakers in the room, paired with Soul Note D-2 DAC, A2 integreted amp, and Z3 network transport. These are speakers that look a little different, yet sound very well-rounded, with good balance between detail, and engagement.

Women In HiFi

There was a Women In HiFi meet down in the lobby on Saturday, at 5pm, and it was very well attended, bringing together plenty of female talent in the industry. As Lin from HiFi PiG and Women in HiFi wasn’t attending the show, Jaclyn from Monarch stepped in to host the get together.

Innuos – 1410

What a brilliant way to start Sunday’s coverage, than beginning in the Innuos room. They had the Dan D’Agostino Pendulum integrated amplifier, driving a pair of Wilson Audio Sabrina V speakers.

They were using an Innuos STREAM3 music streamer/server, configured with a PhoenixDAC, alongside the STREAM1, supported by an Innuos PHOENIXNET audiophile network switch. The system also included a CAD GC 3.1 grounding unit and was housed on a Quadraspire SVT rack, with the entire system connected via Transparent cables and power conditioning.

The system allowed them to switch between the STREAM1, and STREAM3 with PhoenixDAC on-the-fly, and we got to listen to a couple of tracks and hear it for ourselves. The STREAM1 sounds excellent in itself, yet the STREAM3 manages to open up the soundstage, and sounds ever so slightly more natural to boot – a great demo system for highlighting the differences, hosted by Stephen (product specialist).

In the next room they had a few more models on display, and it was great to catch up with both Nuno and Amelia from Innuos.

SOtM – 1407

A range of network audio devices, and amplifier from SOtM were in demo in this room, with a pair of Magico S3 speakers.

Indy Audio Labs / Bag End – 1402

Some rather vintage looking speakers from Bag End were playing in here, kicking out a great rendition of Hurt by Johnny Cash (in my opinion, one of the finest covers ever done). They were using a Lumin streamer, Acurus ACT 4 pre-amp, and M8X amplifier.

Audio Note UK – 1403

In this room, you had the US debut of the new Oto integrated amplifier, which we have seen a couple of times in the UK – it’s a lovely bit of kit with an incredibly natural sound.

In terms of a full system run-down, you had the OTO Phono SE Signature 35th Anniversary Edition integrated amplifier, driving a pair of AN-K/LX loudspeakers. The digital sources were a CDT TWO CD transport and a DAC 2.1x Signature, while the analogue front end featured a TT TWO Deluxe turntable fitted with an ARM THREE/II tonearm and an IQ3 moving magnet cartridge. The entire system was connected via Audio Note UK speaker cables and interconnects.

15th Floor

M101 / Passport to Sound – 1502

This is a great room, the room acoustic treatment is fantastic and the system always sounds great. You had a PS Audio Stellar Strata integrated amplifier, driving a pair of Dynaudio Confidence 30 floorstanding speakers. The source was a Grimm Audio MU1 music player, with the entire system connected via M101 Flare cabling, including their power, speaker, and LAN cables.

The setup was supported by an M101 IO power isolator and Townshend Audio Seismic Podiums, while the room acoustics were managed by RDacoustic Silentmax3D panels, hybrid acoustic diffusers, and EVO-3 anti-resonance pads.

Treble Clef Audio / Vinnie Rossi – 1505

If you want odd speakers, look no further than Treble Clef Audio, these are audio sculptures in the best sense possible. They had a pair of their speakers, as well as subs, being driven by a Vinnie Rossi Brama amplifier, SME Model 15 turntable, and B.audio B.dpr pre-amp.

Heaven 11 Audio – 1509

Hybrid amps are what Heaven 11 audio do, you had their Heaven 11 Billie Amp MK3 Classic integrated amplifier on demo (shown with the Hypex NC252MP Performance DAC and Gold ECC99 tubes), driving a pair of Buchardt E50 speakers on matching stands. The source was an iPad Air running Qobuz, alongside a Torus Power conditioner, with the entire system connected via Crescendo “Billie Edition” speaker cables, power cords, and USB cabling.

MAGICO – 15-Club Room

Here you had the world premiere of the new S7 speakers from MAGICO, which features 5-drivers per cabinet, in a 3-way design – finished in a gorgeous metallic red paint. These were paired with top level kit, such as an Oladra server, DCS streamer, CH Precision pre-amp, Pilium pre-amp, and Pilium Divine M mono amplifiers, with Telos grounding station, and Studer reel-to-reel.

Third Ear Inc – 1515

Founded by a few guys with a background in pro-audio (live sound and producing), Third Ear Inc are making a range of active monitors that appeal to both pros and audiophiles alike. These speakers were very impressive to be honest, with excellent transient response and huge bass when called for.

Perfect8 Technologies – 1506

Transparent speakers and subs from Perfect8 Technologies, driven from a full Thrax setup including pre-amp, DAC, and monoblock amplifiers.

Morel – 1522

Morel were showing off their new Biggie Bluetooth speaker, you can use one speaker, or pair them for a stereo pair should you wish. They were cranking these up, and I’m pretty sure most people coming into the room thought that a pair of their bigger speakers was playing – impressive scale and depth from a Bluetooth speaker and also very affordable.

They did have their other speakers in the system, paired with a Fiio S15 streamer, and Hegel amplifier.

Pass Labs / Gershman Acoustics – 1521

Pass Labs had a range of their amplifiers on static display in the main room, whilst the demo system consisted of you the Pass Labs XS Pre2 preamplifier and X260.8 amplifiers, driving a pair of Gershman Acoustics Symphoria loudspeakers. The source was a HIFI Rose RS150 streamer paired with an Imersiv D-1 DAC, with the entire system connected via Cardas Clear cabling.

Bliss HiFi / Clarisys Audio – 1526

Lovely Clarisys speakers in this room, with a full Orpheus Lab setup. The full rundown includes the Orpheus Lab Absolute A Four I200 integrated amplifier, driving a pair of Clarisys Audio Piccolo MK2 speakers. The analogue source was a Pure Fidelity Symphony turntable, fitted with a Tri-Planar U12 tonearm running through a Grimm Audio PW1 phono preamplifier.

It also featured a Synergistic Research Quark streaming music server, supported by their Router UEF and Ethernet Switch MKII. The setup also included an Orpheus Lab Absolute A Zero SACD player and DAC. High-fidelity power and grounding were managed by an SRX PowerCell 14 and an Active Ground Block SX. The entire system was housed on a Tranquility modular rack and connected via Synergistic Research Galileo LUX cabling, with the room further treated by a suite of their acoustic accessories, including Black Box Carbon and HFT speaker kits.

MBL – 1527

MBL had their great omni-directional speakers in this room, they had their 101 E MKII on demo, powered by a pair of N15 monoblocks, N11 pre-amp, C41 network player, Thales turntable, and Zanden phono stage. These speakers sound unlike any others, and are well worth a demo if you spot them at a show.

Grimm – 1530

In this room you had the Grimm Audio MU1 music player, acting as the digital source and streamer for the LS1 active loudspeaker system. Simple, yet effective – this is a room that always sounds great, they had a few other products on static display around the edge of the room.

Mon Acoustic / Aragon – 1533

In here you had a pair of Mon Acoustic PlatiMon VC reference floorstanding loudspeakers, which are comprised of the VC One bookshelf module and the VC Two bass module. The system was powered by a pair of Aragon AV Iridium monoblock power amplifiers, driven by an Aragon AV Tungsten reference preamplifier. The source was a Grimm Audio MU2 integrated streaming DAC.

Tien Audio / Lu Kang Audio / Keces – 1539

In this room you had turntables from Lu Kang audio, running into Keces electronics (I have the same S4 + S300+ pre/power combo in my reference system), including the Euphony streamer, Ewave network switch, Ephono+ phono stage, S4 pre-amp, S300+ power amp, IQRP-3600 mains conditioner, P9 and P14 linear power supplies, running into a pair of Lu Kang speakers. The Keces kit is excellent value for money, and this room was sounding great.

Kubala-Sonsa / Mola Mola / Vivid Audio – 1540

Here you had the Mola Mola Makua preamplifier, driving a pair of Mola Mola Ossetra monoblock power amplifiers, which in turn powered the Vivid Audio Giya G2 Cu speakers. Source wise they had a Dejitterit NUC X as both the Roon Core/Streamer and Roon End Point, feeding into a Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC.

The digital network was supported by a pair of Dejitterit Switch X ethernet switches and a WiFi X access point. Power distribution was handled by a Kubala Sosna Xpander 2, with the entire system connected via Kubala Sosna Realisation cabling, including their interconnects, speaker cables, power cables, and USB links.

Aurender – 1542/4

In the first Aurender room you had the Doshi Audio Evolution monoblock amplifiers, driven by their vacuum-tube Line Preamplifier, powering a pair of Rockport Technologies Lynx floorstanding loudspeakers. The source was the three-chassis Aurender N50 reference music server, paired with an NH10 reference audiophile network switch and an A1 15th Anniversary Edition streaming DAC/preamplifier.

The digital-to-analogue conversion was further handled by a Berkeley Audio Design Reference 3P DAC with a Reference USB interface. Power conditioning was provided by a 512 Engineering 10kVA Symmetrical Isolation Transformer, with the entire system connected via their PTFE Air Dielectric and Solus Teflon cabling.

In the second Aurender room you had a lot of their models on static display.

Stillpoints / Rockport Technologies – 1545

In here you had the Viola Audio Labs Sonata preamplifier, driving a pair of Viola Cadence Amplifier X 2 monoblocks, which powered a pair of Rockport Technologies Atria II loudspeakers. The source was the Wadax Studio Player, supported by a Wadax Studio PSU.

The entire system was mounted on a Stillpoints ESS Ultra 34 rack, with the speakers isolated on Stillpoints Ultra 5 S feet. The setup was connected via Audio Design cables, including Dominus speaker cables and mains cables, and the power was conditioned by a Telos 3.1 QRC line conditioner.

ATC – 1534

AXPONA saw the US debut of the new EL50, which we saw back in Bristol, this huge active speaker is a culmination of 50 years of ATC tech. With a 3-channel amp pack, balanced inputs, improved internal damping and a stiffer cabinet – these are quite impressive speakers and drew a big crowd at AXPONA.

Source wise they had the ATC SCA2 preamplifier, and an Innuos ZENith NG music server with PhoenixUSB output feeding into a Playback Designs MPD-8 DAC. The system was connected via WireWorld cabling and supported by Equipment Vibration Protection (EVP) from AV Room Service.

16th Floor

PureAudioProject / Silversmith Audio – 1604

The third pair of Duet15 speakers from PureAudioProject were in this room, kitted out with a coax10 driver, paired with a Pass Labs INT-60 integrated amp, Aurender N200 server/streamer, LAiV Harmony DAC, and Well Tempered Labs turntable.

Source Systems Ltd / Lumin – 1607

In this system you had a pair of Amadeus Philharmonia speakers, paired with a Lumin server/streamer, and Lumin power amps. They were playing Billie Eilish – No Time To Die, and it sounded excellent, these small speakers kick out a lot of sound, whilst also sounding effortlessly composed.

They did also have the Leema Tucana II pre-amp, and Graviton power amp in the rack, although they were not being used when we went into the room.

Pixel Magic / Lumin – 1608

More Lumin in here including a Server, Streamer, and amp, running into a pair of Marten Parker Trio diamond edition speakers.

American Sound / Rethm – 1615

In this room you had the Rethm active speakers, running off an Aurender A30 server/streamer/DAC, at the edge of the room you had another pair of Rethm speakers on static display alongside a Synthesis ROMA 14DC+ CD player.

Totem Acoustic / Aragon – 1621

Totem had the production version of their Tribe speakers on demo in one system, paired with the Aragon Tungsten pre-amp, and Titanium power amp, alongside a Lumin server/streamer and Torus mains conditioner.

In their other system they had their Element Metal V2 speakers, with a pair of Aragon Iridium power amps, a Tungsten pre-amp, Torus mains conditioner, and a pair of Bag End subwoofers – what a powerful system, they don’t really need the subs, yet they added a sense of depth, and punch that really enhanced the sound.

SPL – 1603

SPL had a VPI Model One turntable in the system, alongside their Phonos Duo phono stage, Director DAC/pre-amp, and Performer S900 power amp, driving a pair of Falcon Acoustics speakers.

American Sound / Avantgarde Acoustic – 1620

This room is for the horn lovers and valve lovers, huge Avantgarde Trio G3 speakers, paired with massive Air Tight power amps, Wadax Studio player, Studio PSU, and Studio Clock, Air Tight pre-amps, SME Model 60 turntable, and Air Tight phono stage. In a second room they had some more Avantgarde speakers on static display alongside Air Tight, and a range of Synthesis Audio kit. One bit of kit that caught my eye, was the new-ish HDP 300B headphone amp from Synthesis, a lovely looking 300B valve headphone amp – I do hope to get acquainted with one in the future, as it is a gorgeous looking headphone amp.

Kubala Sonsa – 1627

In the big room you had the Audionet Mach line stage, driving a pair of Audionet Schrödinger monoblock power amplifiers, which in turn powered the Vivid Audio Giya G1 Spirit Cu speakers. The source was a Kronos Perpetual turntable, fitted with a Discovery RS tonearm and a My Sonic Lab Signature Platinum cartridge, supported by a Kronos P-SCPS power supply and Audionet PAM G2 and Ampere phono stages.

In terms of digital source, the system featured a Dejitterit NUC X as both the Roon Core/Streamer and Roon End Point, feeding a Master Fidelity NADAC D and NADAC C clock. The digital network included two Dejitterit Switch X ethernet switches and a WiFi X access point. Power distribution was handled by a Kubala Sosna Xpander 2, with the entire system connected via Kubala Sosna Ovation cabling.

In the small room they had the TLA TSI-300 Signature integrated amplifier, driving a pair of Vivid Audio Kaya K-45 speakers. The digital source was a Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC.

AXISS Audio – 1628

In here you had the Soulnote 326 preamplifier, driving a Soulnote 312 stereo amplifier, which powered a pair of Gauder Akustik Elargo 200 loudspeakers. The source was a Transrotor Bellini turntable, fitted with a TRA-Studio tonearm, and running through a Soulnote 350 phono preamplifier.

The system was housed on a TAOC CSR rack, with power and grounding managed by the new Telos Foundation Power Core and Ground Core units. The room also had Nihon Onkyo Engineering acoustic diffusers, with the entire setup connected via Tara Labs Muse cabling.

B.A.D.A.S.S / Margules – 1633

Lots of Margules in here, including a pair of planar magnetic headphones I’ve not come across before. The main system had their Intermezzo speakers, U280 Anniversary SE amplifier, TD-25 turntable, SF20 pre-amp, MS-01 server/streamer, QR2 mains conditioner, and Athenamuse cabling all-round.

AXISS Audio – 1632

In this room you had a pair of Soulution 717 monoblock amplifiers, driven by a Soulution 727 preamplifier, powering the Rockport Technologies Lyra loudspeakers. The source was a Reed 1C turntable, fitted with a Reed 3P Panzerholz tonearm and running through a Soulution 757 De-Emphasis preamplifier.

On the digital front you had a Telos Master Streamer and Master Server, paired with a Soulution 760 DAC. Power and grounding were managed by the new Telos Master Power Station and Earth Grounding Master, along with their Active power cords and power strip. The system was supported by HIFISTAY Mythology Transform racks and amp stands, with the room treated by Nihon Onkyo Engineering diffusers and Tara Labs GME cabling throughout.

Jaguar Audio – 1641

In here you had the T+A P 3100 HV pre-amp, driving a T+A A 3000 HV power amplifier, which powered a pair of Estelon YB MkII loudspeakers. The source was a Klaudio Magnezar turntable fitted with a Klaudio tangential tonearm and a Phasemation PP-5000 cartridge, running through a Phasemation EA-2000 phono preamplifier.

The system featured isolation via AV RoomService Equipment Vibration Protectors and HiFiStay Stella 60 Double Swing speaker footers. Power conditioning and grounding were managed by a suite of Puritan Audio Labs, Furutech, and Akiko Audio units, with the entire setup connected via Kubala-Sosna Realization cabling.

Indy Audio Labs – 1640

A pair of Dynaudio Confidence 30 speakers were playing in this room, paired with a couple of Bag End subwoofers, Lumin streamer/server, Aragon Tungsten pre-amp, Titanium power amp, and Torus mains conditioning.

Swan Song Audio – 1644

Swan Song Audio are an interesting company, focussing on 3D printed components, they had multiple new things in this room including “Rocket” speakers, turntable, single ended phono preamplifier, DAC/preamplifier, 11.5w Class A mono amplifiers, silver cables, and 3D printed acoustic solutions. Really cool bits in here, and a real audio enthusiast behind all this brilliant kit.

Songer Audio – 1645

This was the last room for us, and it featured the Songer Audio A3 300B single-ended triode amplifier, driving a pair of S1x loudspeakers with their accompanying power supplies. The source was an Innuos ZENith Next-Gen music server and streamer, feeding into a LampizatOr Atlantic 3 TRP DAC.

The system also featured PS1 Special Edition power supplies, with the entire setup connected via Black Cat cabling, specifically the Graceline 3 speaker cables, interconnects, and a TRON Mk III USB cable.

What a show, with so many excellent rooms, and so little time to spend in each of them to bring you these three reports – another huge thanks to the organisers and exhibitors for all the work they put into this show.

AXPONA 2026 Golden PiG Award

It was incredibly hard to pick at AXPONA 2026, with so many excellent rooms, and a special shoutout goes to the Fidelity Imports room with Michell turntables and Wilson Benesch speakers, alongside the Scott Walker Audio room with the huge Estelon Extreme MKII in it – both of which stood out as fantastic rooms in both atmosphere and sound.

However, we only get the one Golden PiG to give out, and as we have mentioned before – this isn’t an award for best sound as such, it is for the best room in terms of atmosphere, feeling, and effort the exhibitor puts into the room. And that brings us to the winner – Sierra Sound, what a brilliant space, with a love for music standing out from the moment we stepped foot into the room. Sierra Sound advocate inclusivity and diversity, where the enjoyment of music is what brings likeminded people together, alongside a fantastic audio system. From the first time we visited the room, to going back to give the Golden PiG award to them, Mike and Sylvia were warm, welcoming, and it was quite an easy decision to give them the award in the end. As cliché as it sounds, it was a gut feeling from the start – a huge congratulations to Mike and Sylvia for one of the most memorable audio show moments of the weekend with their metal zone.