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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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bouncehit OP
73 posts
 

The Zu Room was not at all impressive TO ME, but clearly they have a following.  And their lead designer is a very friendly, relaxed guy who made people feel welcome.  Best, BH

weebeesdad
138 posts
 

Anyone hear the Voxativ room? I believe they were demoing their updated Ampeggio. Impressions??

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,860 posts
 

Zu has yet to become my cup of tea at demos but they can be fun and do offer a somewhat esoteric and relatively affordable option for folks at these shows who actually might be there to buy speakers.

I suspect if  a show results in even one or two sales for the most  uber  expensive vendors, that is enough.

Whereas the vendors showing more affordable options who put on a decent showing like Zu probably produce more actual  buyers.

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,860 posts
 

Which leads to the question: how many here have actually committed and bought products say in excess of $10K at one of these shows? Was a show special discount offered?

I will fess up, personally I have never spent more than $1k at these shows, though I usually do end up with a handful of things I hear added to my would-consider buying list.

 

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,860 posts
 

Uh oh I’m hearing crickets so far on that last one. 

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