AXPONA 2026 Report Part One

April 15, 2026

OSCAR AND KELLY HEAD STATESIDE FOR HiFi PIG TO REPORT FROM AXPONA 2026

AXPONA 2026 Report Part One
axpona report
hifi show report

Oscar and Kelly bring you their first report from the USA’s biggest annual HiFi extravaganza, AXPONA 2026.

Huge thanks to Liz, Mark and the whole team for looking after our HiFi Piglets and to all the show staff, exhibitors and visitors for making it a fabulous show. Many thanks to our show coverage sponsors this year, Electrocompaniet (more on them later in this piece).

Now sit back, relax and start the tour of AXPONA 2026…..

AXPONA 2026 REPORT

It’s that time of year again, when AXPONA comes around, the largest HiFi show in North America – with 12 floors and over 230 listening rooms, an EXPO hall, Car audio showcase, and EarGear hall it’s a huge feat to cover over the three days its open.

Given the sheer volume of equipment on display at the show, this report focuses primarily on detailing the room kitlists alongside a visual gallery, though I have included a few notes on some of the most standout rooms.

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.

Upscale Audio – Schaumburg

Starting on the 1st floor we had Upscale Audio with a few systems – System 1 with the Dr. Feickert Trio SE Turntable, Grimm Audio MU2 Media Player, and Phasemation EA-550 Phono EQ and SA-1000 Integrated Amplifier, driving the Klipsch La Scala AL5 speakers supported by a REL Acoustics 212/Black Label Subwoofer. The room also showcased System 2 featuring the Innuos Statement Music Server, Brinkmann Audio Nyquist DAC, and Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 800.2 Integrated Amplifier driving Fyne Audio F1-12S speakers with SuperTraks. Additionally, a wide range of products were on display, including the Technics SL-1200G2 and VPI Forever Model One turntables, HiFi Rose RS150B and Eversolo DAC-Z10 streamers, and various tube amplifiers from PrimaLuna and Pathos.

Klipsch LaScala were playing in here, with wonderfully full, and natural sound.

Audio Technica

Audio Technica had a lot of gear on display and demo, including the full VMx line-up (I personally use a VM745xML and it’s a great MM cartridge for the money), alongside their AT33x series of MC cartridge, flagship STH-AD7000 open-back headphones, new AT-LP8x direct drive turntable, and their HPA-KG tube headphone amp/pre-amp which costs a whopping $108,000! (it is a work of art, though).

T+A North America – Schaumburg G

T+A had their new streamer/DAC/preamp in here, called the SDX 3100 H, alongside the new A 3100 HV stereo amplifier and PS 3100 HV external power supply.

Nordost – Schaumburg F

Nordost had partnered with VTL and Stenheim and had a high-end analogue and digital system featuring the VPI Avenger Direct Turntable and dCS Vivaldi Apex DAC, Vivaldi Upsampler, and Vivaldi Master Clock. The electronics consisted of the VTL TP-6.5 Series II Signature Phono Stage, TL-7.5 Series III Reference Preamplifier, and the first US showing of VTL’s new Lohengrin 400 Watt Reference Monoblock amplifiers, which we heard at Munich in their prototype incarnation. They were driving the Stenheim Reference Ultime Two SX speakers. The system included a full suite of Nordost cabling and power products, including including Odin Gold cabling, QBase Reference Power Distribution and Qnet7 switch.

Impressive scale from this system, with excellent depth to the sound and huge dynamics, they were playing some orchestral music and it was very natural, handling each crescendo with effortless ease.

PS Audio

PS Audio showcased a flagship system featuring the PMG Signature SACD Transport, PMG Signature 512 DAC with Streamer, and PMG Signature Preamplifier. The power was delivered by a pair of PMG Signature 800 Monoblocks, driving the Aspen FR30 loudspeakers with support from Foundry F12 subwoofers. Power was provided by the P20 PowerPlant regenerator, and the entire setup was hooked up AudioQuest Suite. The room also featured the Aspen FR20, FR10, and FR5 (with stands) loudspeakers on display.

MoFi

MoFi had a ton of kit on display with a few systems playing music, they had Piega, HiFi ROSE, Leak, Wharfedale, Little Fwend (with a new High MKII model), Thales, MoFi of course, Lab12, and Thorens. MoFi distribute so many great brands, and it was a great room to look around.

Rutherford Audio

Rutherford Audio had a TAD system playing, with a Vertere Calon phonostage, Oladra streamer/server, and Acoustic Signature turntable. Around the room they had loads on display, including more from Acoustic Signature, Gold Note, Ikigai cables, Solid Tech isolation products, and lastly a little corner dedicated to Stratton Acoustics. It was a pleasure seeing David at the show, these speakers are quite special and we were lucky enough to have a listen to them a few weeks ago at Audio Show Deluxe. They sound huge for their size and it’s great to see the brand showcasing at AXPONA.

Scott Walker Audio / Luxury Audio Group – Schaumburg D

In this huge space you had two pairs of Vitus SM-103 amplifiers paired with the Vitus SL-103 mkII preamplifier, driving the Estelon Extreme MkII floorstanding speakers. The system featured a high-end dual-source setup including a SonoruS Audio reel-to-reel tape deck for analogue playback and a Taiko Olympus music server with matching router/switch for digital duties, all processed through a Vitus SD-025 mkII DAC. The entire chain utilised Crystal Cable Infinite Dream cabling throughout, supported by Seismion active isolation platforms, Arya Labs RevoPods, and ART absorption devices.

Always a fantastic sounding room, the Estelon Extreme MKII speakers easily filling the space with detailed, clear, and controlled sound. The combo between Vitus Audio electronics and Estelon speakers was one that simply worked, and it was a pleasure to listen to this system.

Saturday Audio Exchange – Innovation Room

Saturday Audio Exchange celebrated their 44th Anniversary in the Innovation Room with a showcase featuring Monitor Audio, Rotel, and Michi. System One was the main focus, featuring the Michi X5 S2 Integrated Amplifier and Michi Q5 CD Transport/DAC driving the Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G floorstanding speakers, backed up by a Monitor Audio Anthra W12 subwoofer.

The room also featured System Two, which had the Rotel A14MKII Integrated Amplifier and CD14MKII CD Player powering Monitor Audio Studio 89 standmount speakers (on dedicated stands) and an Anthra W12 sub. System Three offered a headphone demo featuring the Rotel DAC 6 and A8 Integrated Amp. The room was supported by AudioQuest cabling and Pangea Audio stands.

Axiss – Imagination

In the Imagination room, Axiss had a full Accuphase setup, driving a pair of Gauder Akustik speakers, with Tara Labs cabling throughout. They were using 2 x A-300 power amps per speaker, Trans Rotor Jr turntable, DP-770 SACD player, and C-3900S pre-amplifier.

Quintessence Audio – Outer area

Outside of the rooms, Quintessence had a range of products on display, including Fyne Audio, Clear Audio, Innuos, Dynaudio, and Ø Audio – where they were showing off some of the internal components of their new Ymir speakers.

Quintessence – Connection

In this room you had Boulder electronics 2150 Monoblock Amplifiers and the 2110 Preamplifier, driving the Ø Audio Ymir loudspeakers. The digital front end was a flagship dCS stack featuring the Vivaldi Apex DAC, Vivaldi Upsampler, and Vivaldi Master Clock, paired with an Innuos Zenith NG music server and PhoenixNet switch. For analogue playback, the room utilized a Clearaudio Statement Turntable fitted with a Goldfinger Statement MC Cartridge, running through a Boulder 2108 Phono Preamplifier. The entire setup used Kubala-Sosna Elation cabling and S-X Series power distribution, and sat on Critical Mass Systems Olympus racks.

I really wish we could have spent longer in this room, but, from the short demo we had, the new speakers from Ø Audio sound fantastic. Big sound, that’s delicate when required, yet has great impact and power when called for.

Quintessence – Perfection

In here you had the Sonus faber Amati Supreme speakers driven by a Dan D’Agostino suite consisting of the new Momentum Preamplifier, Momentum HD Phono, and Momentum Z Amplifiers. Digital playback was handled by a dCS Rossini Apex Streaming DAC and Rossini Master Clock, paired with an Innuos Zen NG server and PhoenixNet switch.

The analogue front end featured a Clearaudio Innovation Turntable with two arms: a SUPATRAC Blackbird 12.5” with a Hana Umami Black MC and a Unity Two-point with a Goldfinger V2.1 MC cartridge. The system used Transparent XL cabling and a Transparent Ultra Q equipment rack. Excellent sound in here with deep, impactful bass and exceptional clarity.

Quintessence – Knowledge

The last Quintessence room had the Wilson Audio XVX speakers driven by Audio Research electronics, including the Ref 10 phono preamp, Ref 6SE preamp, and Ref 330 mono power amps. Digital duties were handled by the dCS Vivaldi Digital Music System paired with an Innuos stack consisting of the Nazare server, and the brand-new Nazare Net, and Nazare Flow.

The analogue source was a Döhmann Helix One Mk III turntable featuring vacuum hold-down, equipped with a Wilson Benesch Gravitas Ti tonearm and Tessellate Diamond MC cartridge, alongside a second SUPATRAC Nighthaawk 12” tonearm with a DS Audio Grand Master EX Cartridge and DS Audio EQ. The system had Transparent Magnum Opus cabling and was sat on a Critical Mass Systems Olympus Ultra rack. The Wilson sounded great with more impactful music playing, huge scale, impact, and depth.

Lenbrook Americas – Schaumburg E

Lenbrook Americas had the NAD M23 V2 power amplifier and M66 preamplifier driving the DALI EPIKORE 9 speakers, supported by a pair of DALI V-16 subwoofers. The room also featured the NAD C 3030 integrated amplifier and C 3050 BluOS amplifier on display, alongside Bluesound NODE NANO, NODE, NODE ICON streamers, and the POWERNODE streaming amplifier. DALI were also showcasing their new SONIK range of speakers.

Floor 2

Playback Distribution – Nirvana Lounge

Playback Distribution had the Esoteric Grandioso system, paired with Audio Solutions Vantage M speakers and a Deus Audio Machines Invicta 60” infrasonic subwoofer. They also had the new TEAC TN-400BT-X in Turquoise finish, alongside the Silent Pound Bloom in Alcantara finish (a world debut).

YG – Nirvana C

Nirvana C had the Titan speakers (a USA debut), paired with four flagship 888 Monoblocks from MOON by Simaudio and additional electronics from MOON and Taiko Audio. They also had an AMG turntable, alongside cables by AudioQuest and equipment supports from Hifistay. Big sound as expected, with impressive clarity and punch.

Audioshield – Nirvana B

Audio Shield Distribution had the Raidho TD3.10 and X2.6 loudspeakers in black, paired with a full range of EMM Labs electronics including the MTRX2 V2 mono amplifiers, PRE2 stereo preamplifier, and DA2i D/A converter. They also had the Pink Faun 2.16 Dual Ultra streamer and DS Audio Grand Master Extreme cartridge, alongside a full complement of Kimber Kable cabling including the KS6068 speaker cables and Palladian power cables.

I’m a fan of Raidho and this room sounded great, with a bit more focus on clarity and detail whilst also providing articulate bass response.

Joseph Audio / Doshi / J. Sikora – Nirvana A

In here you had the Joseph Pearl Graphene Ultra speakers, paired with Doshi Audio Evolution electronics including their Monoblocks, Preamp, and SE Phono stage. The digital front end featured the Aurender N30 Music Server alongside the Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference 3P, while the analogue side boasted the J. Sikora Supreme Max turntable with an Aidas Mammoth Tusk cartridge. They also utilised Cardas Audio Clear Beyond cabling throughout, alongside HRS RXR Frames with RS Platforms for equipment support.

Next Level – SV Audio – Serenity

Fenja, paired with McIntosh – the usual high standard from SV Audio, excellent drive, detail, and control, whilst still sounding effortless and articulate. The bass comes from nowhere, and hits hard when needed whilst always remaining faithful to the recording – US debut for the brand and an excellent sounding room.

They had the DS200 streaming DAC, C2800 preamp, and MC462 power amp from McIntosh, with and AMG turntable, DS Audio optical cartridge, and DS Audio phono stage, with Ansuz cabling and power conditioning.

Rhythm Distribution – Prosperity Lounge

In here you had the Luxman L-100 Centennial integrated amplifier, paired with the Luxman D-100 Centennial SACD/DAC. Luxman were also showcasing the upcoming B-100 Centennial monoblock amplifier. An great sounding room, with snappy transients, crisp sound, and great body when required.

Next Level – Borresen – Epiphany

In the Epiphany ballroom, Audio Group Denmark featured the Børresen C3 and BM3 speakers, paired with Aavik electronics including the I-588 amplifier, SD-588 streaming DAC, and P-588 power amplifier. They also showcased a comprehensive Ansuz D3 cable loom, alongside the Ansuz Mainz8 D3 power distributor and PowerSwitch D3.

The C3’s on their own sound fantastic, with excellent dynamics and drive, the stereo imaging and soundstaging stand out as strong points of these speakers too. Adding in the bass modules, which they set up to only fill from 50Hz down, really spaces out the mix and add an extra level of layering and depth, alongside a bit of increased impact and heft down low – they always manage to remain controlled and snappy, though.

VAC – Mezzanine

Acora Acoustics and VAC had the Main system featuring Acora SRC 2.2D loudspeakers, paired with VAC Master 300 iQ Mk II Musicbloc power amplifiers and Statement Line and Phono stages. The analogue source was a Swedish Analog Technologies (SAT) Record Playing System with a Lyra Atlas Lambda cartridge, while the digital side used an Aurender N30SA streamer and Lampizator Aphrodite DAC. They also had a second system with Acora MRB speakers and a VPI Avenger Streamer Direct, alongside a Hallway system featuring the massive Acora VRC speakers.

Legacy Audio – Utopia A

Legacy Audio showcased their flagship Valor system in the Utopia A ballroom, featuring the Wavelet II Preamp/Processor and i·V Ultra power amplifiers. The system utilized the internal 2,750 watts of the Valor towers alongside external i·V amplification to drive the sophisticated 14-driver array. On the analogue side, they featured a turntable for demos, while the digital front end was handled by the Wavelet II’s internal DAC and DSP suite. They also showcased the Aeris and Focus XD systems in the same space, demonstrating the versatility of their room correction technology.

They also introduced the Artist Series at AXPONA 2026, a unique collaboration where their high-performance loudspeakers are hand-painted by world-class visual artists. This collection aims to blend elite acoustic engineering with bespoke fine art, essentially turning the speakers into one-of-a-kind gallery pieces.

Focal / Naim – Utopia B

Naim / Focal were showing off the new Mu-So Hekla that we saw in Bristol, it’s a streaming active speaker, they can also work as a 7.1.2 soundbar. They also had the new Focal Diva Mezza Utopia active wireless speakers, Maestro Utopia Evo speakers, Naim NSS 333 streamer, NAC 332 pre-amp, and NAP 350 power amps.

They also had a huge range of speakers, and headphones, around the room.

Wynn Audio – Utopia C

Wynn Audio featured the Avalos Ola floorstand speakers, paired with Karan Acoustics electronics including the POWERa mono amplifiers, LINEa preamplifier, and PHONOa phono preamplifier. They also showcased the Metronome Kalista DreamPlay XC SACD/CD player (with built-in streamer), alongside a Thiele TT-01 turntable with the TA-01 zero tracking error tonearm for the analogue source. The system was rounded out with Fono Acustica cables, an Entreq Olympus Hero groundbox, and a Critical Mass Systems MAXXUM-Ultra rack with Center Stage and O-BIT Audio footers.

Rhythm Distribution – Utopia Lounge

In this lounge you had the Goldmund Telos 8800 monoblock amplifiers paired with the Goldmund Mimesis Reference preamplifier, driving the Marten Coltrane Quintet Extreme speakers. The system featured Jorma Paragon cabling throughout.

Fidelity – Perlisten

Perlisten had the S7t Black Edition floorstanding speakers, paired with D8is subwoofers and Audia Flight electronics, including the Strumento No 8 Signature mono amps and Strumento No 1 Signature preamp. They also featured the Matrix Audio MS-1 streamer for the digital front end, alongside a dedicated DSP crossover.

Dutch & Dutch

Dutch & Dutch showcased their 15C speakers in the lobby, featuring two massive 15-inch subwoofers, a 15-inch midrange driver, and a 15-inch waveguide for the tweeter. This all-in-one system includes internal DACs, DSP, and room-matching technology, alongside a powerful streaming core. I did ask how low these went in the lobby, and they can reach down to 10Hz – these are huge speakers and need room to breathe, easily filling the massive lobby area when cranked up a bit.

3rd floor

Lockwood – 306

British HiFi brand Lockwood had their Universal Stanley on demo, a very natural and easy to listen to speaker, paired with a Luxman L-509Z integrated amplifier, DA-07X DAC, and NT-07 streamer. Lockwood had a few of their other models around the side of the room.

Jones and Cerreta – 302

This room had the new Troubadour from Jones and Cerreta, a company setup by legendary speaker designer Andrew Jones alongside brothers Jamie and Bill Cerreta. The Troubadour features a unique field-coil concentric driver design. The system was powered by electronics from MoFi Distribution and showcased a blend of high-efficiency engineering and contemporary aesthetics.

These speakers were paired with Lab 12 electronics including the Integre4 Mk2 tube audiophile integrated amplifier and Melto2 tube phono stage. For the analogue source, they featured the Thorens 124 DD Exclusive turntable with an EMT Tondose Exclusive phono cartridge, alongside the HiFi Rose RS151 high performance network streamer for digital playback. They also utilized a Drake Woodworking Crescendo audio cabinet for equipment support.

Elite AV – 312

Elite AV Distribution showcased the Prana Fidelity Dhyana 2-way loudspeakers, paired with two REL S/3 powered subwoofers and a suite of electronics including the Prana Fidelity Purna/MA Class D stereo amplifier and the Manley Labs Jumbo Shrimp all-vacuum tube line stage. For the analogue source, they featured the Kuzma Stabi M turntable with a Safir 12 tone arm, CAR-40 low-output MC cartridge, and a Manley Labs Steelhead tubed phono stage. The digital front end consisted of a Dell PC running through a Schiit Audio Bifrost USB DAC. The system was finished with a comprehensive array of Furutech cabling, including the V1-S speaker cables and NCF Power Vault distribution, alongside various Furutech accessories like the NCF Clear Line and booster signal cable risers.

Devialet – 318

In the first Devialet room you had an Astra integrated amplifier in a dual-mono configuration, paired with Wilson Audio Sasha V speakers. The system also featured an SME Model 8 turntable with an Audio Technica AT-ART20 cartridge, all connected using Shunyata Research cabling.

Martin Logan – 328

Martin Logan featured the Expression ESL 13A floorstanding speakers, paired with a Depth 212 subwoofer and Anthem electronics, including the STR Preamplifier and STR Power Amplifier.

Mofi – 334

MoFi had the Quad ESL X on demo in this room, with a full Platina setup in terms of electronics, they also had other Quad products on static display, alongside the 303 and 33 in a separate system.

Radiant Acoustics – 340

Radiant were showcasing their new Clarity 66 floorstanders, powered by the Lyngdorf TDAI-2210 integrated streaming amplifier. They also displayed the smaller Clarity 6.2 and 4.2 bookshelf models, alongside dedicated Clarity stands.

REL – 342

In the first REL room, you had a static display of a few of their models, with reps on hand to give advice as to which sub would be best suited to your system.

REL – 344

In the second REL room you had their S/550 subs in a line-array setup, with a pair of Wilson Watt Puppy speakers, Dan D’Agostino Momentum integrated amp, and Wadax Studio Player as the source – all on Seismion isolation platforms. Cabling and mains conditioning was from Shunyata.

Madisound – 348

Madisound had a range of drivers from various manufacturers on display, alongside a couple of pairs of speakers made with some of those drivers. There were also some other assorted electronic components on display in this room.

SB Acoustics – 352

Lots of SB acoustics drivers in this room, alongside a couple of pairs of speakers using their drivers, powered by Moon audio electronics.

Danville Signal Processing – 354

This room was showcasing what you can do with signal processing, especially when it comes to multi-driver setups and the use of DSP crossovers.

Aretai / mojo – 360

In here you had the Mystique Z Quantum DAC along with their “One Box Wonder” music server. They were playing this through a pair of Aretai speakers, with a Staccato BU-01 integrated amplifier, great sound in this room, it was clear yet full sounding.

CAD & Aesthetix – 364

Computer Audio Design and Aesthetix were showcasing a high-end system in Room 364, featuring the Stenheim Alumine Two.Five floorstanding speakers. The setup was powered by an Aesthetix Calypso All-tube Line Stage and an Atlas Eclipse Stereo Power Amplifier, delivering a hybrid valve and solid-state output.

The digital source included the Computer Audio Design 1543 MKIII DAC and the Xact Audio S1 EVO music server, linked by a CAD USB II-R cable. To manage signal purity, they utilised an extensive array of Ground Control units (GC1.1 and GC3.1) alongside specialized Ethernet and USB noise reduction products. The entire system was housed on an Andante Largo Rigid Tower equipment rack.

As usual, the CAD room sounded extremely good, the Stenheims did a great job at revealing plenty of detail, whilst the bass was articulate and full without sounding bloated in the slightest. One of those easy to enjoy, and very effortless sounding rooms.

Constellation – 368

In this room you could find the new Constellation Performance 2 series, consisting of a preamplifier and a stereo power amplifier, the latter of which delivers a massive 600 WPC to ensure unrestricted dynamics. They were using Esoteric kit as the source, alongside and Aurender streamer/server for digital audio playback, running into a pair of Magico S3.

Audiothesis – 372

Audiothesis had the Rosso Fiorentino Pienza Series 2 standmount loudspeakers, powered by the hARt Lab Tune Six streaming integrated amplifier.

The Tune Six is a versatile integrated that combines a vacuum tube preamplifier stage with a hybrid power stage, delivering 150 WPC into 8 ohms.

Hegel – 376

Hegel had a room with most of their products on static display, giving visitors a change to chat about the latest from the Norwegian brand outside of the main demo room.

Hegel – 378

In their demo room they had their flagship H600 integrated amplifier driving the KEF Blade Two Meta loudspeakers. The setup was wired throughout with AudioQuest cabling, and it was a powerful yet detailed performance, with the Hegel keeping excellent control over the KEF speakers.

Amped – 382

Amped make a range of high-performance Class-D amplifiers, they were showcasing these with a pair of AQ PassionLine Fever speakers and an Atoll streamer – they also had a MusicHall mmf-9.3 turntable in the demo system.

Wireworld Cables – 384

Wireworld had a room dedicated to showing its wide range of cables.

Magnepan – 388

In here you had the Rogue Audio M-250 monoblock amplifiers paired with the Rogue Audio RP-7 v2 preamplifier, driving the Magnepan 2.7x speakers. The system featured an Eversolo T-8 streamer and Garlubidor Divinity DAC, with Darwin Cable Company Natural 2 and Enlightenment Extreme cabling throughout.

Pangea – 390

In Room 390, you had the Vincent Audio SV-237MKII integrated amplifier driving the Fyne Audio 501s floorstanding speakers in Walnut. The system featured an Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition Gen 2 as the digital source, with AudioQuest Rocket 88 speaker cables and Pangea Audio power distribution and racking throughout.

This was one of the more “affordable” rooms at the show, and the Fyne speakers punch above their price point in terms of sound and presence.

Saturday Audio Exchange – 394

Here you had the Anthem STR integrated amplifier driving the new Paradigm Premier V2 820 floorstanding speakers. The system featured Anthem Room Correction (ARC) and an Essentials Sub 10 for low-end reinforcement, with the entire setup wired and power-conditioned by AudioQuest.

The room also displayed the smaller Premier V2 220 floorstanders and V2 120 bookshelf models around the room.

4th floor

Harmonia – 402

Harmonia had two demo setups, alongside a static display of products around the room.

In system 1 you had the PrimaLuna EVO 300 tube hybrid power amplifiers paired with the EVO 400 tube preamplifier, driving the Fyne Audio Vintage TEN loudspeakers. The system was augmented by Fyne Audio Supertrax supertweeters and featured a digital front end consisting of a Grimm Audio MU1 music player and a PrimaLuna EVO 100 tube DAC.

System 2 featured the PrimaLuna EVO 200 tube integrated amplifier and Musical Fidelity M2si integrated amplifier driving both the Fyne Audio F702 and F502S floorstanding loudspeakers. This system utilized a Musical Fidelity M6x DAC and M2scd CD player as sources, with Fyne Audio S-Trax supertweeters providing high-frequency extension.

Both excellent systems, that had been put together well and represent slightly different price points – the Vintage TENs with the Primaluna was a smooth, full sounding system without sacrificing detail.

Alongside the active systems, the room featured several static products including the Fyne Audio F500SP floorstanders and F5E bookshelf speakers. Also on display were the Harbeth NLE-1 and M30.3 XD2 bookshelf monitors, as well as the PrimaLuna EVO 100 tube preamplifier. The entire room was wired using a combination of Cardas Audio and DH Labs cabling.

Antal / Electrocompaniet – 494

In the first Electrocompaniet room you had the new EC5 pre-amp paired with an AW 800 M amplifier, ECM 1 MKII streamer, ECP 2 MKII phono stage, Soulines TT 42 turntable, and Ansuz power conditioning. Speaker wise, you had the brilliant Borresen M1, the imaging from this system was simply out of this world, and the depth of the soundstage was huge. This was one of those wow systems – with the M1 also sounding far bigger than they look.

On the electronics front, just look at that gorgeous knob on the EC5 – from what I know, one of these will be making its way to Stuart for review very soon!

Ø Audio – 490

In here you had the Ø Audio Frigg 02 speakers paired with a Musical Fidelity M6si500 integrated amplifier, DCS Rossini Apex Player, and Musical Fidelity BPC16 mains conditioner – they were using Cardas cabling throughout.

Anyone who has heard these, knows they sound fantastic, and this was once again a very well-matched system, with the Musical Fidelity amp providing the Frigg 02 with plenty of punch and drive.

Resolution AV – 488

Resolution AV had a new pair of speakers, from a new brand, the Western Acoustics Type 2.1 bookshelf speakers, featuring a horn-loaded Faital Pro compression driver and a 6.5-inch Purifi Audio woofer.

Driving them you had the Accuphase E-4000 integrated amplifier (fitted with the AD-60 phono module). The system featured a Technics SL-1300G turntable with a Dynavector 10XA-L cartridge for analogue playback, alongside a Nagra Compact Player with its matching PSU and VFS for digital. The entire setup was housed on a BOX Furniture MS4M rack and used AudioQuest cabling and PowerQuest mains conditioning.

This was a pleasing system, with an airy and spacious sound, natural tonality, and overall enjoyable sound.

2WA – 484

In the first 2WA room you had the Trilogy 994 monoblock amplifiers paired with the Trilogy 914 preamplifier, driving the Aequo Ensium loudspeakers. The system featured a digital front end including the Ideon Absolute DAC, Absolute Time, and Absolute Stream, alongside a Grimm MU1 server. For analogue playback, the room utilised a VPI Avenger turntable with a Grimm Phono pre-amp, with the entire setup connected via Wire World cabling.

The Aequo speakers sounded lovely, very clear and full with exceptional tonality. Full and deep bass, clear vocals and great transients, a superb sounding room.

2WA – 480

In the second 2WA room you had the SPL S800 amplifier paired with the SPL Elector preamplifier, driving a choice of Falcon LS3/5A Gold or Falcon M20 speakers (the M20 were playing when we visited the room). The setup featured an Aurender digital source feeding an SPL Diamond DAC, along with a Pear Audio Capt Handy turntable and SPL Phonos pre-amp for analogue playback, all integrated with Argent Pür cabling

Dutch & Dutch – 476

In the first Dutch & Dutch room you had their 6C active speakers, these are the smallest in the range yet still have the same features of their bigger siblings. They had no issue filling the room with excellent sound, and they can hit surprisingly hard for their size.

Dutch & Dutch – 472

In the next room you had the bigger 8C, which are very impressive speakers, all the clarity you could want with deep bass and impeccable timing.

MSB – 468

MSB had their Cascade DAC, alongside a pair of M500 mono amplifiers, Pink Faun 2.16 Ultra server/streamer, and Magico S3 speakers.

Western Electric – 464

In here you had a pair of Western Electric 100E monoblock amplifiers paired with the Western Electric 91E preamplifier, driving the Western Electric A2 loudspeakers. The system featured the Western Electric 203C CD player as a digital source, showcasing the company’s new flagship triode electronics and high-dispersion AMT driver technology.

AVM – 460

This was the US debut of the new Ovation series, and AVM were showcasing the new CS 8.3 S all-in-one streaming system with CD and phono stage, AS 8.3 S integrated amplifier, PAS 8.3 S preamplifier, and MP 8.3 S media player. The room also featured a wide range of AVM products on display, from their Class A/AB monoblock amplifiers through to their all-in-one systems and source components.

Altec Lansing – 454

This is a name I haven’t heard in a while, it was quite a dark and rather cool looking room, with Infigo Audio Method 7 monoblock amplifiers paired with the Infigo Audio Method 4 DAC and preamplifier driving some huge Altec Lansing speakers, with a few subs in the mix for good measure.

LAiV – 452

LAiV make some cool looking kit, and have spent some time expanding their range over the last year or so. In the demo system they had their Crescendo Verse and Crescendo Chorus, paired with a Volumio Rivo+ streamer, Vinshine mains conditioner, and Pure Audio Project open-baffle speakers.

Harman International – 448

In the first Harman International room you had a range of products from Polk, and Denon, including home speakers, turntables, speakers, and amps.

HARMAN Luxury Audio – 442

This room featured the world debut of the Revel Performa4 F346 floorstanding speakers, driven by the ARCAM SA45 integrated amplifier. The system also included the ARCAM CD5 CD player as its source, forming part of the ARCAM Radia series setup.

HARMAN Luxury Audio – 440

In this room you had the JBL Summit Pumori floorstanding speakers, driven by the Mark Levinson 600 Series electronics, including the No. 626 preamplifier and No. 632 power amplifier. The system used an ARCAM ST25 network streamer as its source.

Monarch – 434

Distributor Monarch had two rooms, the first with a range of the products they distribute on static display – including products from Vinnie Rossi whom they have just started distributing, Audio Physic speakers, Chario speakers, B.audio electronics, SME turntables, Loricraft record cleaners, and more.

In their demo room they had a pair of Audio Physic Tempo SL speakers, accompanied by Audio Physic subs, SME Model 8 with Lyra Kleos cartridge and B.audio Alpha One integrated amplifier.

As usual, Monarch had made the room look fab too, this was a great space.

Revox – 428

Revox had their ReVox StudioMaster M500 integrated amplifier driving the Aretai Contra 100S speakers with Walnut waveguides. The room featured a comprehensive analogue source selection, including the ReVox B77 MKIII reel-to-reel tape deck and the ReVox T77 turntable fitted with an Ortofon Black S cartridge. The system was supported by a Puritan 156XX-AC power conditioner and housed on a Lateral Cadenz-VR audio stand, they were using Transparent ULTRA XLR interconnects and Cardas SE9-MP speaker cabling.

Zesto Audio – 418

Here you had the Zesto Audio Eros 500 monoblock amplifiers driving YG Acoustics Sonja 3.2 speakers, with Andros Deluxe II phono stage, and Leto Ultra II Line pre-amp. The system also featured the new Zesto Audio Athena tube DAC, demonstrating a full Zesto Audio system. They were using Cardas Clear Beyond cabling, Stillpoints rack, Aperture acoustics isolation feet, and Dr Feickert turntable with Tri-Planar tonearm.

IsoAcoustics – 412

Isoacoustics had their usual range of excellent isolation products, alongside their A/B demo of the Gaia Neo feet – using two pairs of KEF R7 Meta speakers, one with Gaia Neo feet, the other using standard KEF feet. It’s a very effective demo, and the sound is noticeably more controlled and focussed with the Isoacoustics feet – they were using a Cambridge Audio EXN100 and EXA100 streamer / integrated amp stack to drive the speakers.