Capital Audio Fest 2016

There were many very nice sounding rooms at this year's CAF.  That makes 2 for 2 at the new venue, and considering that the sound quality for the several years previous was not as so uniformly good I have to conclude that the new quarters must have something to do with this.

For me there were 2 truly excellent experiences at the show.  The first was listening to cellist Vincent Belanger accompany himself via recorded tracks in the Audio Note room.  I thoroughly enjoyed listening to a live cello 6' away played by an accomplished musician.  (The Audio Note J-LX speakers sounded really nice too!).  The second great experience was listening to Dave Slagle demonstrate 3 different RIAA equalization topologies in his phono preamp---LR vs. LCR vs. RC---with all other aspects as constant as possible.  Very interesting!

Another interesting experience was hearing the new Volti Rival speaker which uses the same drivers as the Vittora but with a smaller bass reflex cabinet (and smaller price).  I hope this new speaker gives Greg Roberts the commercial success he deserves.

Lastly another measure of whether a hifi show was a success is how many LPs I heard that are now on my Need to Get ASAP list.  By that standard this CAF was a great success!

Saletric There were few if any CDs being played on CD players. Mostly vinyl and digital streaming.   I suspect that and strides in Dac technology in recent years  helped achieve better more consistent sound throughout the show.  I know it has for me at home.  I heard very little if any digital glare or brightness. 

One of the rooms I enjoyed most with gear I could see myself owning someday was the Vac/Gershman room.  The Gershman monitors playing were perhaps my favorite new find at CAF this year.  

The room running Rogue hybrid amp and Joseph Audio compact floor standers was another.   I was already a Big Rogue fan but never noticed Joseph audio before.   The sound was nice and hit well above the size of the speakers much like Totem.  Lots of competition at that price though.  

"Lastly another measure of whether a hifi show was a success is how many LPs I heard that are now on my Need to Get ASAP list"

That's the trend I have notice on my last visit to RMAF and The SHOW.  Believe it or not Vinyl is back.  The future of music has come down to three forms, Vinyl, hard drives and streaming.  I believe the CD format days are numbered.  

I switched to Aurender N10 / Modwright DAC last year and hardly spinned any discs since then.  

I was there just yesterday and really enjoyed it, my very first audio show ever. Favorite rooms for me:

Deja Vu Audio- astonishing Vu’s speakers were just finished Thursday using all vintage Western Electric drivers and sounded fantastic driving by a single 6wpc mono amp.  Sadly I can’t remember the output tube type but the dual blue mercury vapor rectifiers were stunning to see glowing blue! And yes I said a single mono amp, it sounded so good Vu said everyone just assumed it was stereo. Oh and lps spun on a gorgeous Garrard 301 TT, The sound in this room was holographic and my best of the show.

Audio Note- didn’t get to hear the cellist, room was too crowded but listening to the equipment, classic warm rich detailed sound, and quite affordable.

Zu Audio- my first time hearing Zu, driven by all Pass Labs, but a very solid vivid punchy sound. Also the vibe in that room was so chill and relaxed I didn’t want to leave.

Volti/Border Patrol- really nice sound a good balance of detail and warmth and a really tactile sound, highly enjoyable.

Tidal/Bricasti- totally not my cup of tea but I enjoyed way more than I anticipated, plus musical choices in this room were just outstanding! I would say the best digital sound I heard all day, most of my fave rooms had TTs. I wish they had turned the Rel sub off though, integration was really well done I just wanted to hear the speakers on their own.

Classic Audio Reproductions/Atmasphere- tough to argue with Ella and Louis on analog tape, super engaging and live sounding.

All in all a lot of fun though some rooms were disappointing overall it was a good learning experience and lots of great sound.