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.

128x128audiotroy
My favorite room was the Raven Audio room. They have great tube gear and had their own speakers now. I think their tube gear is comparable to VAC in sound.
Orenstein, how did you get to every room? I'm distressed at all the stuff I missed, but I don't see how I could have done that, not and waited to be in the sweet spot of the most promising rooms.

(Does anyone else feel bad when they go in a room, there's no one else there, and you aren't impressed by the sound and have to be polite to the poor guy giving the demo?)
Not a new product, but I have the PS Audio Sprout 100 and it is a great product in my opinion.  I run my TV through it and power a pair of Mark Audio Sota Cesti B and it sounds great.  
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!

@orenstein  Thanks for the mention of the Grandinote / Luna Cables
room.