Oftentimes, when I see a piece of equipment that is highly stylized in form, I expect that function will not be up to par. Listening to Treble Clef Audio's TCA-M Signature active speaker ($103,900/pair) in room 1505 at AXPONA 2026 proved me wrong.
Shaped like a musical note, this Treble Clef Audio speaker (shown below) incorporates a host of cutting-edge technology: The transducer includes a folded dipole air velocity bass system—producing bass that radiates to the front and back eliminating sidewall reflections, linear-phase DSP crossovers, three integrated Pascal Class-D amplifiers (one per drive unit) and both analog and digital (AES3, S/PDIF, and Dante) inputs. Total amplification power is approximately 1,500 watts, with a frequency extension between 16Hz and 24kHz.
The analog source is an SME Model 15 Mk2 turntable with an SME V arm (total $25,219) and a Benz Micro LP cartridge ($6000) fed into a Vinnie Rossi phono preamplifier (product name and price TBD; projected to be coming this summer). The digital source is a B.Audio B.DPR EX DAC ($24,000). Both sources feed a Vinnie Rossi Brama preamplifier ($38,995), all continuing on into the TCA-M active speakers over balanced analog connections.
The equipment rack is a Franc Audio Accessories 15th Anniversary model ($18,900). There were also a pair of Treble Clef TCA-S active subsonic modules (single motor: $22,500 each; dual motor: $31,200 each), but they were not in use, as the TCA-M speakers produced more than adequate bass. Cabling was by Siltech Double Crown series (prices vary).
The sound of this Treble Clef Audio system, especially the analog source, was powerful, full-range, and captivating. The speed of the speakers added to the punchy yet natural tone reproduction. The system sounded well integrated, even in the suboptimal conditions of an untreated hotel room.
The analog source is an SME Model 15 Mk2 turntable with an SME V arm (total $25,219) and a Benz Micro LP cartridge ($6000) fed into a Vinnie Rossi phono preamplifier (product name and price TBD; projected to be coming this summer). The digital source is a B.Audio B.DPR EX DAC ($24,000). Both sources feed a Vinnie Rossi Brama preamplifier ($38,995), all continuing on into the TCA-M active speakers over balanced analog connections.
