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Audio Doctor goes to Axpona observations so far


 
For the first time went to Axpona, one heck of a show more audio then we have ever seen, the old New York audio shows were like this.

Anyway walked most of the show and most of the systems heard were just bad, common problems no room tuning, rooms that were too big for the gear or too small.  Even some of the really expensive stuff was dissapointing.

There were a few room that were good.

So far winners for us that were very good not in any particular order:

1: Big Horns from Germany forgot the name really famous one,
2: Muiraudio $15k electrostatic hybrid 
3: Alta Audio cheapie $5k speakers sounded great
4: Vimburg
5: Paradigm Persona 3F

(not a great setup,  but the sound comming out of them for a $10k speaker was very impressive. excellent, midrange soundstage was impressive  image floated nicely, even though the speakers were way too close together and the bass response was excellent.  Would have been way better with a few substitions.

6: T+A $75k floorstanders were impressive for such a small size reference speaker, don't know if they are worth that kind of money, the electrostatic tweeter coupled to a line array with buillt in subs was very musical in a way too small room. Would have liked them to be taller

Decent but not up to the hype the new PS audio speakers bass was very good for a $12-15k set of speakers filled up a big room ugly, and not the ultimate wow that PS was billing them as.

The Scaena line array  when we had them setup in our show and at some of the older New York Audio Shows were mind blowing this setup didn't gel which was sad.

Today to hear the Gryphon room, Golden Ear and a few others.

Scott Markwall gave a great demo of the Furutech NCF products which are really cool.

Innous gave a great demo of the Statement vs the Zenith, and wow what a difference in soundstaging and clarity.  

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ Paradigm, T+A, Persona dealers.

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anvil_turntables's avatar
anvil_turntables
53 posts
 
I have not seen much mention of it but I was really impressed with the Spendor room and the D7. I kept coming back and stayed longer each time. Wonderful balance for these ears. The Chord dac and integrated seemed to make for terrific value too. 
The Altas were something special  also and some pyramid  shaped italion stand mounts I cannot recall  the name
dminches
38 posts
 
Just my .02 cents and opinion...

I was at the show 2 days and heard a lot of good systems.  I thought Jeff Joseph's room sounded great, as always.  I also liked Jonathan Tinn's room with the Evolution Acoustics speakers and the Wave Kinetics Turntable / Durand tonearm.  There were many other rooms including the MBL room which I enjoyed stopping in.

I disagree that the Vandersteen room didn't sound well.  I was there on Saturday, after they got the equipment issues resolved.  When I walked in the sweet spot was empty so I grabbed it.  Van Morrison's Tupelo Honey was playing and the sound stage was a mile wide and quite enjoyable.  The room they were in was huge so I can't get worked up over some of the sonic characteristics like there not being enough bass.  That is a room issue, not an equipment issue.  There is no way the system nine lacks in bass.  I have heard it in smaller, better tuned rooms.

I did stop by again later and the "DJ" was playing some unfamiliar music so I really couldn't get a sense for the sound then.  I wish these exhibitors would realize that playing well-recorded standards is the way to go.  What's the point of playing stuff nobody knows?



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jmeyers
126 posts
 
I found two rooms at AXPONA 2019 to be my personal standouts this year.  The first demo'd Rockport Cygnus speakers driven by all CH Precision electronics and an Auralic Aries streamer; "Life" by Ludovico Einaudi was played.  This recording was my primary evaluation track, and I heard it on several high end systems.  None, even my former favorite (the Sonus Faber Aida II driven by Audio Research electronics), came close in terms of offering a realistic experience.  Only this system got both the piano and the strings right!  I have a fairly decent system at home, but it paled in comparison to that Rockport/CH Precision system.  The second was the Wilson Alexx/D'Agostino electronics/dCS streamer and DAC setup; "You Want It Darker" by Leonard Cohen was played.  This was the other track I played in a number of rooms.  When the song finished everyone in the went "Wow!"  Mr. Cohen was resurrected!  Every aspect of his gravelly voice was recreated, emanating from a rock-solid and stable image.  Again, my home system disappointed in comparison.

I think it is important to note that, regardless of how good the audio system might be, without outstanding source material, all that technology will be wasted.  Both of these tracks are marvelous recordings; these two systems brought them to life.
radiohead99
79 posts
 
Muraudio Sp1 is probably one of the best speaker I've ever heard. After hearing it in NY Audio Show, I ended up spending an entire evening at Distinctive Stereo to listen to them. Fantastic all around speaker. Only reason, I didn't end up buying them as it'd require me to switch my amp. But, I totally see myself getting a pair in future.
orenstein
66 posts
 
I was at the show for all 3 days and visited every room (nearly 200) in the huge hotel, but I am surprised no one mentioned the hidden (apparently) treasure found on the 14th floor, the amazing Grandinote Mach 4 speakers, powered by the Grandinote electronics and superbly supported by Luna Cables.  The sound was the epitome of natural, no coloration whatsoever!  The only explanation that seems plausible to me to have not discussed such an incredible sound was that many visitors never made it up to the 14th floor to experience it.  That is a shame.  The Grandinote equipment is from Italy and the Luna Cables are from Canada.
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