LATEST ADDITIONS

I was pleased to finally meet John Tarulli, Hi-Fi Sales Manager at Audio-Technica US. A mainstay in hi-fi, consumer, and pro electronics since 1962, Audio-Technica doesn't necessarily need audiophiles, but we sure do need Audio-Technica.

The three heavy hitters noted above brought Italian heavy hitter Thuono to Capital Audiofest (CAF), showing the Thuono TH400 turntable ($59,500) for the first time in the US. I've noted these handsome machines at High End Munich; it's great to finally see the brand stateside.

To be considered for our 2025 awards, only products subjected to a full review or considered in a column published from the November 2024 issue through the October 2025 issue would qualify. Each product was subjected by the reviewer to a thorough evaluation over a period of weeks or months—plus, for regular reviews (not columns), a session in my test lab.

Harry and Mat Weisfeld were up to their old tricks at CAF, wowing the audience with a reference rig containing a pair of vintage JBL Everest loudspeakers in the Jefferson suite and dropping a lower-cost system in the Adams room.

I strolled into this room not knowing what to expect but seriously intrigued by the pair of large, folded-horn speakers that looked like something from a Grimm's fairy tale.

The preshow buzz was palpable. Is Altec Lansing really back? With a new planar loudspeaker?

Jeff Coates of Harmonia Distribution presented several systems in its two-room suite in Rockville.