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NYC Axpona Audio Show report

I just attended the audio show in NYC. I really enjoyed myself, but I was a bit disappointed in the sound of the various systems. However, two systems really stood out for me:

1. YG Acoustics, Solution, Brinkman, Air Tight (analog) GTT Audio Room
2. Scaena, new turntable?, SME 12" arm, Dynavector XV-1t (analog)

These two systems seemed very coherent, neutral and transparent. For me, they conveyed the emotion of large scale symphonic music very well. Lots of detail, dynamics and drama and above all, the clarity, timbre and scale reminiscent of good, live, classical music. They were VERY expensive systems though.

They were analog and I am biased toward that sound. Also the belt drive Brinkman Balance was on a Vibraplane and had the Air Tight Supreme cartridge that I use mounted on it. And the Scaena room had the new suspended belt drive table with two rotating platters (forgot the name) and the SME V-12 arm which I also own, so those components may have influenced my opinion.

Other systems which showed some potential were the Sony speakers with Pass amps, the small "Clue" speaker for $900 and the GT Works room with the $2700 electrostatic speakers. These all had good sound and high value, IMO.

I also enjoyed Michael Fremer's turntable setup seminar and the Stereophile reviewers round table discussion. The Waldorf is a great hotel and of course it is always nice to be in New York City.
peterayer
audiooracle
387 posts
 

Dear Peterayer,

I am delighted that you enjoyed the sound from our big Scaena system. You are quite correct that this was an expensive setup however if you compare the two systems you liked we are about $80,000.00 less expensive than the other excellent room you mentioned!

The turntable is the magnificent Kronos which is priced at $28,000.00 and believe it or not is a remarkable value, for the level of build quality and engineering that went into the design.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
The thin rooster indicated that 'shows' as part of the hi end business model, are fading. Perhaps Rocky Mountain is the only exception. Most successful audio product lines use a business model of a strong dealer network, coupled with lavish attention to cultivating the audio media.
theduke
372 posts
 
Axpona did not produce this show. I believe it was a British outfit, the Chester Group.
whart's avatar
whart
3,037 posts
 
That is correct, Chester Group organized. I wonder why hi-fi manufacturers don't do road shows or pop-up stores in areas where there are few dealers.
Introducing people beyond the usual assortment of folks who frequent the conventional dealerships, which are fewer and far between.
There even used to be 'live v. recorded' demonstrations -
I think hi-end hi fi seems to be enjoying a renaissance despite the ubiquitous MP3 and other diversions (like this one, on the Internet).
I'm constantly amazed at the proliferation of new turntables, phono stages (think back ten years compared to now- that market has literally exploded) and costly amps and speaker systems. And, the amazing variety of approaches, just when you think that it's all been done before, someone comes up with a new way to approach a nagging problem or revisits an old circuit or design and revitalizes it (Garrard 301, anybody?).
Best,
Bill Hart
jk6392
1 posts
 
I tried making the rounds and really liked the Robyatt room as well - which is a no brainer - but kept coming back to the Zellaton Berning Holborne room on the 18th floor. I thought this was best of show as it was the most natural and beautiful sound I heard. Everything else sounded typically audiophile but these had the best musical balance. Also the Holborne turntable was very interesting. I wanted to like the Cesaro horns but the bass was overwhelming and found myself fatigued after a while. Also liked the small Kudos speaker - not bad at all...
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