I was unfortunate to only spend a short time at Thursday's opening of the "Stereophile" show. In my humble opinion, MBL stole the show. Transparency, depth, width, natural; and all this from different seating locations. Virtually all hi end audio demonstrations are based on one seat and damn everyone else. With the MBL system, you can actually invite a friend over. Very impressive.
Even though Dave Wilson put on a wonderful demonstration with his new Watt/Puppy speakers, I felt Brooks Berdan Sophia demonstration was better. Excellent attention to details. Bigger soundstage.
Several of the demonstrations had the instruments all on top of each other in the center of the room. I won't pick on anyone, because it was more likely the software. Speaking of software, I didn't have time to write down the selections Wilson used, so if someone could post them, I would be very greatful. Also, in the MBL room, they played an a cappella group recorded on RCA with the name Four as part of the groups name. Please find out what group it was and post it. The bass singer was so low, he could do some serious stimulous to the bowel section (in a good way).
Finally, Thiel showed a new speaker system with excellent results, but the tubed amplification sent out an uncomfortable heatwave; this with the A/C blasting away.
I was surprisingly not that impressed with Joseph Audio and Vandersteen products; two of which I hold in the highest regards. Show conditions; who knows.
Still makes me realize, I own crap compared to the best heard.
I was unfortunate to only spend a short time at Thursday's opening of the "Stereophile" show. In my humble opinion, MBL stole the show. Transparency, depth, width, natural; and all this from different seating locations. Virtually all hi end audio demonstrations are based on one seat and damn everyone else. With the MBL system, you can actually invite a friend over. Very impressive.
Even though Dave Wilson put on a wonderful demonstration with his new Watt/Puppy speakers, I felt Brooks Berdan Sophia demonstration was better. Excellent attention to details. Bigger soundstage.
Several of the demonstrations had the instruments all on top of each other in the center of the room. I won't pick on anyone, because it was more likely the software. Speaking of software, I didn't have time to write down the selections Wilson used, so if someone could post them, I would be very greatful. Also, in the MBL room, they played an a cappella group recorded on RCA with the name Four as part of the groups name. Please find out what group it was and post it. The bass singer was so low, he could do some serious stimulous to the bowel section (in a good way).
Finally, Thiel showed a new speaker system with excellent results, but the tubed amplification sent out an uncomfortable heatwave; this with the A/C blasting away.
I was surprisingly not that impressed with Joseph Audio and Vandersteen products; two of which I hold in the highest regards. Show conditions; who knows.
Still makes me realize, I own crap compared to the best heard.