AXPONA 2017 Show Report -- Audio Expo North America
AXPONA Show Report Part 2 By Steven R. Rochlin

  Harmon's Mark Levinson front-end digital and amplification joined the company's Revel speakers. This system shows Harmon's strength within high-end audio consumer electronics while delivering magical music during AXPONA. Niagara gear was also being used to good effect. It is great to see, and hear, Samsung-owned Harmon remaining independent and strong. Check our out recent world premiere review of Mark Levinson's No 523 preamplifier with phono stage and headfphone amp at this link.

Quintessence Audio had a Clearaudio turntable, Aurender digital front end, Pass Labs amplification, and Sonus Faber speakers. As you'd expect, this room had one of the Best Musical Sounding Rooms At AXPONA 2017. The visual beauty of Sonus Faber's Italian-made speakers look their part within the ultra-luxury sector. Simply put, a great sounding room that played music.

Diapson speakers with Aurender digital front end and Acoustic Signature turntable joined forces with VAC tube amps and Stein tweaks to round out this system. Alas, no listening notes as think i was getting a bit hungry, so my stomach won. Wish i had time to revisit this room.

Brain overload as Tweak Studio's brought what appeared to be everything and the kitchen sink by Burmester, there was a Thorens turntable and wiring was by MIT. One word: clarity. Here's one of those moments where you feel the music is within the room, as you become 'one' with it. No doubt that this room earns my award for Best Sound And Clarity At AXPONA 2017. Gear within this room includes:

Burmester 077 Preamplifier
Burmester 911 Mk Ill Monoblocks
Burmester Musiccenter
Burmester 089 CD Player
Burmester 948 power conditioner
Torus AVR 20 CB power conditioner
Thorens TD550 Turntable
Acoustical Systems Aquiler tone arm
Acoustical Systems Archon Cartridge
MIT Cables
  Oracle MA-X XLR interconnect
  Oracle MA-X Rev2 XLR interconnect
  Oracle MA-X SHD XLR interconnect
  Oracle Reference power cable
  Oracle Matrix Super HD 120.2 Speaker Cable
YG Acoustics Carmel floorstanding speakers
Stillpoints
Aperture panels and Aperture Stands
ESS 42-40-3 Rack (grid, acrylic shelves, twenty Ultra 6)

---> Click here for Part 3 of Steven R. Rochlin's AXPONA 2017 show report.