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Capitol Audio Fest

Did anyone else attend Cap Audiofest this year? I've seen no threads about it, I was only able to attend Friday afternoon but heard some good systems. Favorites for me,  Shindo/Auditorium 23, Zu Audio, Tidal, Classic Audio/Atmasphere, and Deja Vu Audio. I thought the Zu system with Omens and First Watt Sit monos was the best value priced system. Best system overall the stunning Deja Vu vintage system with their field coil speakers just astonishing sound.  I wish I had gotten more time to spend looked like there were lots more rooms this year.
128x128jond

Showing 11 responses by charles1dad

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charles1dad
10,234 posts
 
Sal,
That sure seems to be the case based on feedback covering both shows.
I attended the AXPONA in Chicago last year and it was pretty decent. The Capitol city show does appear to be on an ascending track.
Charles
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charles1dad
10,234 posts
 
Bested on the comments here I just may visit this show next year. Detroit to D.C. is a relatively short flight.
Charles
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charles1dad
10,234 posts
 
Larry,
Your explanation of the Zu presentation fits what I’ve heard perfectly. Driven by SS amplifiers at high volume playing rock music, just not good. Wish I could hear Gary’s system (Zu DEF IV MK II and Ancient Audio components) at reasonable volume levels 😊.
Charles
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charles1dad
10,234 posts
 
Larry, so I’m not the only one who has found the Classic Audio speaker rooms to sound bright in chracter (and a bit thin as well). This is based on several encounters. I feel like the odd one as they get pretty much high praise from most listeners.
Charles
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charles1dad
10,234 posts
 
Hi Gary,
Okay I understand.  You certainly have a spacious room and very attractive I might add 😊.
Charles 
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charles1dad
10,234 posts
 
Gary (gsm18439),
Very mixed impressions of the Zu room. This speaker puzzles me as I’ve heard them on 4 different occasions and each has been disappointing. You, 213 Cobra and Germanboxers own and love your DEF IV. I respect all of you guy’s ears but have not heard good sound from them so far.

Was their sound at this show representative of what you experience at home?
Charles
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charles1dad
10,234 posts
 
Hi Larry,
Very nice show report.  I too was curious about Tekton Double Impacts given the considerable hype.  I'm glad you were able to hear them (-and mapman as well). We agree, definitely good sounding speakers and they're easily driven by lower powered amplifiers.  Jond I wish you could have beard them as I always appreciate your impressions. 
Charles 
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charles1dad
10,234 posts
 
Sal,
Well given her background that explains the refined ear/listening ability. It surprises me that she wouldn’t be attracted to jazz given the great pianists who’ve played this music and how utterly beautiful jazz sounds via this magnificent instrument. But again,preference end taste are truly  personal and individual.
Charles
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charles1dad
10,234 posts
 
Hi Sal, 
 Thanks for your report. Your wife seems to have very good and refined ears. I understand why she'd be unimpressed with the typical hifi sounding rooms that usually get more press coverage. Does she enjoy listening to music often and did she play a role in developing your audio system?
Charles 
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charles1dad
10,234 posts
 
Jond, 
Thank you. These components are Shindo's lower priced offerings and it is impressive that they were capable of sounding so well for you. Seems like a very high value proposition. 
Charles 
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charles1dad
10,234 posts
 
Hi gsm18439 and jond,
Both of you seem to have very similar taste to mine based on reading your posts over the years. How would you guys describe the sound of the Shindo? Which preamp and power amplifier were they using? I’ve always heard good things about the Auditorium speakers. This seems like a system that I’d enjoy listening to. I believe that both of you would have liked the Tekton Double Impacts, they are very good speakers. Heard them with my Coincident 300b SET amplifier,  exceptionally good match. 
Thanks,
Charles
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