For me, the system in the Pure Audio Project room was the hidden gem at the show. The prices of components were not unreasonable and the performance level was extremely high. But, because they did not hit you with big bass slam, and the exhibitors did not play the system at extremely high levels, it was not so much an attention-getting display. The system quietly went about playing music in an utterly natural, relaxed and engaging way with quite good micro-dynamics and a lively, yet not aggressive presentation. I was shocked that the speakers--Trio model (open baffle with twin 15" woofers and a midrange/tweeter between the woofers)--cost something like $8,450. They were also suited to being coupled with low-powered amps (the kind of amps I like), If I had to give up my current system, I could easily live with these speakers, and that cost is less than a third of the price of the midrange drivers in my system. Because these speakers have different modules for bass and midrange/tweeter, they can be upgraded. I would probably opt for their Voxativ field coil midrange/tweeter module.
The Hidden Gem at Capital Audio Fest (CAF) 2023!
Good Morning Fellow Audiophiles!
I just spent two "action packed days" at Capital Audio Fest (CAF) 2023.
I heard a number of very find sounding systems, including amazing musical reproduction from such well known names as Borresen, Acora, and Kharma. Also in the "price no object" category, the Cessaro Wagners were absolutely stunning, and earned my "Best of Show Award".
However, while I truly enjoyed all of the great sound, THE HIGHLIGHT of the show for me was a name you probably DON'T know, designed by a very nice young man who I think just might have a very bright future
The product was the Endow Audio Bravura 7.2, and at $6,900 it offered a glimpse of what I heard with the $65K Cessaros at 10% of the price. What's more it did so while driven by very modest electronics from Black ice. I'm not an engineer, but the unique design, with 9 x 1.5" midrange drivers arranged in an arc at the rear of the 3D printed horn sitting atop the otherwise conventional appearing bookshelf cabinet conferred an amazing immediacy, truth and penetration of timbre and tonal color, and nothing short of stunning image solidity and soundstage size.
The company offers a 30 day in home trial risk free. t took photos and will also try to post them.
www.EndowAudio.com To clarify, I have NO RELATIONSHIP WHATSOEVER with any aspect of Endow Audio.
BH
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@larryi I heard the Trios with the Voxativ field coil module a few years back at the New York audio show, they were fantastic. Driven by a low powered Pass integrated amp their sonic bliss was much as you so aptly described, lively yet non aggressive with great presence. I've heard them at a few other shows with different center drivers (although I'm not sure I've heard the coax driver you heard at CAF) however the field coil drivers were by far the best IMHO. The cost increases dramatically although I believe they are still competitive given their performance. I think you would be even more smitten with the field coil driver Trios than you already are with the coax version.
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