Astounding Attendance And Steampunk Satisfaction
AXPONA 2019 Show Report By Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin

   For those who missed attending this weekend's show in Schaumburg (Chicago), am sure many voyeurs will enjoy reading AXPONA 2019 show reports online and within a variety of print publications. With many members of the press in attendance from all over the globe, IMHO this will be the most reported on audiophile show in the history of the USA. This is not an understatement.

Furthermore, if I was a betting man, would say it was also the most well-attended American high-end audio event in the history of our industry! Everyone from the JD Events was busy ensuring exhibitors had their gear on time, that all exhibitors' needs were taken care of, and of equal importance that attendees were able to find everything they desired all under one roof.

Congratulations to JD Events for their incredible efforts, exhibitors for remarkable sounding rooms, seminar presenters for educating everyone, and most important of all attendees as you are the most important part of AXPONA! We all work together, in harmony, so that everyone benefits.

Personally, as my 230th event report (give or take), it brings me joy to stand back and observe the immense growth within high-end audio over the years. My first round of online show reports started way back in 1996, and during AXPONA 2019 decided to be more an observer than a 'participant' that I've ever been.

Enjoy the Music.com had six photojournalists in attendance, which is the most amount of reviewers we've brought to any event! Quite a few of you realized that my April editorial marked the very last Review Magazine article by Yours truly, as am now in charge of things like reserving hotel rooms for our writers, business meetings, and bringing more partner magazines and other soon-to-be-revealed surprises that am sure Enjoy the Music.com readers will love.

AXPONA 2019 marks our 10th annual report on this ever-expanding showcase of the very best consumer electronics for home hi-fi delights. Sure I heard complaints, such as a few attendees proclaiming there's no way they could enjoy time visiting each and every room. Considering the vast volume of large ballroom exhibitors plus many floors filled with audiophile gear within hotel rooms, would have to agree wit said complaints. Of course if we're all complaining that there was too much to see and do, well then, that's a great 'problem' to have my friends!

My Muse / Wife Heather also commented how it is impossible for me to visit every room to enjoy fun-filled musical delights. And so my friends, this is why Enjoy the Music.com brought the largest staff of reviewers and photojournalists to Chicago this past weekend. Their reports will be appearing online shortly.

With the legendary Steampunk headphones at-the-ready, here are some highlights of my fun-filled time during AXPONA 2019. For me, it is more about us enthusiasts than specific pieces of gear. Together, we are expanding our scope of music lovers worldwide into the joys of higher quality music via audiophile equipment.

Talented photog, reviewer, and very handsome Eric Franklin Shook of Part-Time Audiophile striking an sexy Steampunk pose.... or two.

MQA's all-around great guy Ken Forsythe donning the darling Steampunk 'phones.

Desmond Harrington of Pass Labs by their incredible HPA-1 headamp ($3500) we reviewed here.

Surf's up with cool dude Chris Sommovigo of Black Cat Cable, who was handing out a great carrying bag that were immensely popular. We reviewed Black Cat's 3200 Series interconnect, speaker & digital cables at this link.

Analog in heart, plus steam is analog, and so here's Eric Watson of Kirmuss Audio. Check out our interview with company owner Charles Kirmuss here.

Eric Benoit of Qobuz online streaming music service diggin' the Steampunk vibe at AXPONA 2019. Qobuz was the official Hi-Res Music streaming service for AXPONA, and wow it sounds EPIC!!!

Everyone knows Chad Kassem, and he was at AXPONA 2019 sharing the musical vibe with Steampunk Style. Check out our video of Acoustic Sounds office tour with Chad Kassem.

Enjoy the Music.com's very own personal / portable audio specialist Dave Hanson enjoying the soothing Steampunk sound.

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