Ken Micallef

Gary Lea of Supreme Acoustic Systems graciously allowed me into his room pre-show, because he knows I am a horn-loaded loudspeaker fanatic. After one look at Odeon Audio’s German-made Semper loudspeakers ($49,900/pair), I had to contain myself.

Victor Kung was my virtual mom in Tampa, feeding me Ritz crackers, bananas, Cheerios, Kind bars, and delicious instant coffee when my energy flagged. Victor’s generosity was also on display in the lovely, tubed components he brought to his small room, easily one of my favorites of the show.

Ron Buffington’s Liquid HiFi was a chance to hear excellent orchestral music and learn something in the process.

Joe Parvey of Jacksonville’s House of Stereo and Chris Shaw of Focal Naim America had their sights set on something sleek, a room where listeners could focus on music without lifting a finger, literally and physically. That’s what digital is all about, right?

Thomas Kiss (AVLG) and Philip O’Hanlon (On A Higher Note) delivered a startling surprise. Upon entering their room, attendees faced an unsettling ambiguity: fight, flight, or surrender to the experience. Most chose the latter.

I’ve heard the new Oneiros speaker in three different rooms in New York City and thought I had their sound pegged. I was wrong.

Jeff Joseph's room is the hottest ticket at every show. Securing a seat is a yearly battle, driven by the sheer, undeniable magic of his and Nick Doshi's reel-to-reel system.