Audio Troy Capital Audio Fest the good, the bad and the ugly!

I thought the Devore/Luxman room was underwhelming, I think it had to be the room.  The system was displayed in a ballroom.

VPI's new statement piece Vanquish was very interesting driven by Krell electronics, wired with Nordost.  I think the Kef Muon's did the system a slight disservice, was not a fan.  The room was challenging also - I wasn't impressed with the Blades room either which was disappointing since I've always wanted to hear them.

The VAC/Von Sweikert room was excellent, better sounding than last year.  But for 1.5mil, Yikes.  Just the furniture for the system was around 200K.  Great opportunity to listen.  Listening to Fleetwood Mac "The Chain" it was easy to imagine being in the studio with the band.

The CJ/Kharma room was another treat.  The Kharma's for me were the best speaker in the show - wish I could afford them.  The GAT and a new 36 watt power amp were driving them and they were simply outstanding.

Peter at Sound-Smith was putting out great analog tunes with his strain gauge system.  Tonally pure and organic.  He alternated between SG and Hyperion and both cartridges sounded excellent.

Callout to startup Verdant.  Beautiful stand mounted speakers and great sound!

Wanted to hear atmosphere/Classic Audio speakers but they were playing some sort of "space music" that was just terrible.

As usual lots of vinyl rigs.  Good to see Basis there.  My wife graced me with her presence (probably to keep an eye on me) and noticed every time a room was playing digital instead of vinyl.

Daedalus had 2 rooms and just did not do it for me.  Salk Sound was another speaker that sounded good.  Just did not get Magico, sounded sterile to me.

Overall I thought it was a good show.  CAF has morphed into a great event.

GT Audioworks were my favorite speaker last year.  I dropped by early on Friday and one of the Pass Labs mono's was not working and he was using a different amp.  Compromised his sound a bit.  Sounds like he got it together but I never got back the next 2 days.

As I mentioned above, Salk sounded good and credit also goes to a McGary integrated amp - made the Salks sing.

Also forgot to mention Joseph Audio - Perspectives were great, airy and transparent.

tomic601
@pops would love to hear more on your impressions of the strain gauge system Sonics... what arm and table ? Thanks

Peter was using 2 tables made by a friend of his I believe in Germany, the arms were his, a collaboration with Reed. The amp and speakers were his and the speaker cables were Transparent, not sure about the IC’s.

For speakers, he was using his 8K Monarchs I believe they are called and they sounded great, no need for a sub.

To his credit he spun records like a DJ on 2 tables alternating between the strain gauge and his Hyperion cartridge. Both were luscious!  The strain gauge left nothing in the grooves, total detail and resolution, purity of tone,  without being in your face.  The Hyperion was very similar, organic sounding with just a touch and I mean a touch of warmth compared to the SG.

Glad I could help out tomic601.

Soix the JA perspectives were outstanding.  He had them set up on the long wall of a very small room so it was definitely a nearfield listen.

Not sure about the electronics he used but his speakers sounded great as always, for me at least - I love his speakers but have never owned one.  They were imaging magicians, no sound was coming from the speakers, total transparency.  Sharp transients and deep tuneful bass - without an ounce of aggression.

I could easily live with them if they were a fit for a large room like mine.  According to Joseph himself they would work with the right placement.

Greg I am kicking myself for not getting back by your room - love your speakers!  Your room was the first one I visited on Friday. Congrats on a great show.

Why can't you guys start your own thread and argue and not muck up every other thread.....just the 2 of you!