Ken Micallef

T.H.E. New York International Audio Show 2025

Supreme Acoustic Systems 1

Ken Micallef Nov 06, 2025

Sharp lines and sculptural forms defined Room 219, presented by Supreme Acoustic Systems, calming my frantic mind immediately upon arrival. Soulnote's Yhusuke Iwashashi and Hideki Kato were perfect hosts, settling my reporter's brain with placid expressions.

T.H.E. New York International Audio Show 2025

Robert Lighton Audio

Ken Micallef Nov 06, 2025

Robert Lighton's custom rig included his prototype turntable with a rosewood armboard and customized 10" Audio Note tonearm with a Miyajima Madake MC cartridge. An Audio Note S9 step-up transformer ($28,000) and M9 phono preamp ($185,000) did the analog business. An Audio Note CD 4.1x ($16,000) made music from shiny silver discs.

T.H.E. New York International Audio Show 2025

Orchard Audio

Ken Micallef Nov 06, 2025

Succasunna, New Jersey's Orchard Audio didn't come to play. Joined by Kimber Kable and Soundfield Audio, Orchard got down to business, but quick. "We are an audio company that provides an immersive listening experience by offering top-quality DACs, streamers, and amplifiers," its website states.

T.H.E. New York International Audio Show 2025

New Life Audio Solutions / Von Schweikert

Ken Micallef Nov 06, 2025

"New Life Audio—Good For The Soul" adorned the entrance to Queens, New York, dealer New Life Audio Solutions's room. Owner Shawn Mathew's smiling countenance and gentle personality made me feel welcome.

T.H.E. New York International Audio Show 2025

Now Listen Here

Ken Micallef Nov 03, 2025

Aaron Sherrick of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s Now Listen Here is an old hand at making show systems sing. He pulled off his magic trick in Jersey as he has at shows far and wide, as well as inside his Harrisburg storefront.

T.H.E. New York International Audio Show 2025

Decibel+, Neoson, Atlantis Labs, Audiobyte, Sennasound, Trafomatic

Ken Micallef Nov 03, 2025

Atlantis Lab’s Yusuke Yasuda, and Decibel+’s Gabriel Andrés Toro brought one of the most surprising systems of the show, featuring Neoson tubed amplifiers and Atlantis Lab loudspeakers, both brands manufactured in France. Atlantis Labs' concept designer Eric Buy and Neoson concept designer Walter Blondel were also on hand.

T.H.E. New York International Audio Show 2025

Two systems, one debut: Burmester showcases the new BX100 loudspeaker

Ken Micallef Nov 03, 2025

Norm Steinke, Burmester sales manager for the US, presented two complete Burmester Audio systems at T.H.E. Show in New Jersey. Both systems were composed of components drawn from Burmester’s tiered product lines: Signature Line, Reference Line, Top Line, Classic Line. The two displayed setups featured an assortment of components divided among these categories.

Integrated Amp Reviews

HiFi Rose RA280 integrated amplifier

Ken Micallef Nov 01, 2025

It's been said before, but the essential truth remains as shiny as a new 2A3 tube: A well-made, good-sounding integrated amplifier is a sonic marvel, a triumph of audio engineering.

T.H.E. New York International Audio Show 2025

Legacy Audio

Ken Micallef Nov 01, 2025

Springfield, Illionois–based Legacy Audio, which is under new ownership, promised a "Total HiFi Experience" at the "Legacy Audio Showcase." They weren't kidding. Creating three rooms out of a single lower-level chamber plus a larger, special-purpose room, Legacy Audio provided a different listening experience around each corner.

T.H.E. New York International Audio Show 2025

Rogue Audio M250 Ultra monoblocks debut

Ken Micallef Nov 01, 2025

Robin Wyatt is a good egg, a mensch, a stand-up guy. Not only does Robin create badass listening rooms and occasionally shower attendees with fine scotch; he's also generous to a fault. Most recently, Robin donated a Miyajima 78 cartridge to The Hot Club of New York, which plays 78s on a restored vintage system. It's a must-hear room if you're in New York's Flatiron District.