Luxury Audio Group: Estelon, Vitus, Sonorus, Taiko, Crystal Cable, Davinci, A.R.T.
At the Capital Audio Fest 2024, the Luxury Audio Group, with a crucial assist from dealership Scott Walker Audio presented an exceptional audio system featuring the Estelon XB Diamond Mk II speakers ($63,000 per pair), the Vitus SIA-030 integrated amplifier ($51,000), the Vitus SD-025 DAC ($30,000), and the Sonorus ATR10 MkII reel-to-reel tape deck ($35,000).
Matterhorn Audio Group – Plaza 1: Kroma Atelier, Aavik, Technics, Linn, Creek, Ansuz, HiDiamond, PSI
One of the showpiece rooms at Capital Audiofest 2024 was the Matterhorn Audio Group demo in Plaza 1, which is essentially a small ballroom. The rarefied systems shown were up to the task of filling the spacious room with beautiful music.
MC Audiotech, Linear Tube Audio, Wolf Servers, ArgentPUR Cables
MC Audiotech's Mark Conti, ever the gentleman, even when confronted by a rabid reporter, unveiled a system of such sweet tone and dynamic might that it soothed my inner beast. At
Now Listen Here: Vandersteen, Acora, Pure Fidelity, EMM Labs, Bel Canto Design, Innuos, Ayre, Rega, Audio-Technica, AudioQuest, Finley Audio
NLH’s Aaron Sherrick was busy, yet oddly calm, as he sat and directed the action in the Executive Lounge. NLH’s Matt Early (an old friend of mine from Tower Records on 66th St. NYC) controlled the iPad, while Qobuz’s David Solomon offered support, emotional and otherwise!
Popori Acoustics and UniQue Home Audio with Applied Physics, VAC, Roon, Rythmik, Snake River Audio, Solid Steel, ASC, ViaBlue
At the risk of giving these social media upstarts more attention, my old friend Jason Messina (aka The Audiophile Junky) could be found in the Popori/UniQue room, which is a funny thing. The only time I’ve seen Jason even close to being immobile—i.e., not making videos, which he does, hitting the ground running (I’ve seen it)—is at a show!
Robyatt Audio: Quad, VPI, Thai-Scandinavian Engineering, Tzar, April Sound, Java HiFi, Sonore, and Finley Audio
Robin Wyatt always gives great room, and this year’s CAF appearance was no exception. Prancing like a jolly bartender offering beautiful audio reproduction in place of libations, Wyatt’s room creates anticipation and soon enough, audio ecstasy.
Semrad Audio, EM/IA with Garrard, Sorane, Mutech
Show attendees entered John Semrad and Dave Slagle’s room and let out an involuntary gasp. The components on display epitomized bespoke, handmade craftsmanship, of the highest quality, with purity and provenance their bywords.
Songer Audio with LampizatOr, Innuos, Whammerdyne, KBL Sound
This is the CAF room that all my audio running buddies and even non-buddies told me about: Songer Audio.
I strolled in and took a seat in front of a LampizatOr Atlantic 3 TRP DAC ($7325), an Innuos Statement Next-Gen Server & Streamer ($25,000), and Phoenix NET Network Switch ($4349). These components fed a Whammerdyne Heavy Industries DGA-Ultra 2A3 Integrated Amplifier ($5995). Whammerdyne Heavy Industries sounds like a Roadrunner cartoon company gone wrong, but I stayed put.
Supreme Acoustic Systems: YG Acoustics, Bergmann Audio, AirTight, Cardas
Supreme Acoustic Systems and Axiss Audio brought the kind of equipment that gooses my reviewer’s jones for new review gear. From the Brutalist looking Bergmann Audio turntable to the fantastical YG speakers to the fetish worthy AirTight amps, I tried to maintain dry palms while taking notes.
True Source Audio Distribution / Sierra Sound Debut G.I.P Laboratory 4165
True Source Audio Distributors debuted the massive G.I.P. Laboratory 4165 field coil horn-loaded loudspeakers at CAF, featuring the Japanese company’s replicas of the original Western Electric 4165 driver. The 70lb G.I.P. 4165 Radiata pine cabinets filled nearly half of the small Hilton room. G.I.P.’s TW 38 tweeter sat atop the large cabinets.