La Dolce Audio showcases DIY open-baffle loudspeakers and Allegro tube amplifiers
"Here, we believe in challenging the status quo," states the landing page on the La Dolce Audio website. "We believe in thinking differently to create new ways of accomplishing the musical experience. We believe everyone should enjoy the best musical experience in their own home."
Lone Mountain Audio showcases ATC SCM20ASL US debut with Innuos ZENith Next-Gen and PhoenixNET
Lone Mountain Audio's Leland Leard brought a compact but mighty rig to Maryland, including an ATC CDA2 Mk2 Preamp/DAC/CD unit ($5499), Innuos ZENith Next-Gen server ($21,700), Innuos PhoenixNET switch ($4800; $3840 bundled with ZENith), and the US debut of the ATC Classic Series SCM20ASL active loudspeakers ($10,999/pair, standard finish).
Lucca Chesky Introduces the LC2 Reference Monitor
At barely 19 years old, Lucca Chesky continues to shake up the hi-fi world. Dubbed "The Fresh Prince of Hi-Fi" by Stereophile’s Rogier van Bakel, Chesky is a student at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon University. That hasn’t blunted his hi-fi flame.
New Altec Lansing Ribbonacci Reference system with Infigo front end
The preshow buzz was palpable. Is Altec Lansing really back? With a new planar loudspeaker?
Robyatt Audio Debuts Simco ONE Horn Loudspeakers with Miyajima and VPI
One of the largest personalities in audio, Robin Wyatt is also a purveyor of exceptional sound systems. And his showing at CAF was no exception.
Six systems, six rooms: Fidelity Imports and The Listening Room go big
In years past, Fidelity Imports filled room upon room with the hi-fi equipment they distribute. This year, New Jersey dealer The Listening Room shared the load. Fidelity and The Listening Room compiled six systems in six—um—listening rooms full of hi-fi goodness.
Songer Audio refines its field-coil formula with A3 SET amplifier and PS1 SE
"Songer Audio is pleased to return to the 2025 Capital Audiofest this weekend, where we will present two exciting premieres," the press release stated. "The show marks the East Coast debut of our A3 single-ended 300B amplifier, a design that unites the timeless beauty of early high-fidelity engineering with modern technical refinement. The A3, in concert with our S1x field-coil loudspeakers, delivers an effortless and deeply engaging musical presentation—a culmination of our pursuit of uncompromising performance."
SVS and Orchard Audio bring Ultra Evolution loudspeakers and Starkrimson power
SVS Sound's Larry McGough and Orchard Audio's Joyanto (Joe) Goswami and Leonid (Leo) Ayzenshtat were at Capital Audiofest (CAF) to show several SVS-supported systems.
Triangle Art Selene horns and M100 monoblocks make US debut
Tom Vu brought a complete Triangle Art system to CAF, with his trademark gold-encrusted turntables at the center of the room—not one, not two, but three! Vu sold the most expensive turntable while I was away fetching coffee.
US debuts for Merason DAC2, Qln Prestige 3 Gen 2 in Alma Music & Audio/Well Pleased AV system
Mark Sossa of Well Pleased AV always puts together solid, good-sounding rooms, often featuring Merason DACs and Qln loudspeakers. At this show Sossa's system, fortified by Alma Music & Audio, reached new levels of transparency, quiet, and soundstaging, wowing and entrancing me.