AXPONA 2019 Show Report -- Audio Expo North America
What To Expect At AXPONA 2019

  Excitement is building for the upcoming AXPONA 2019 event in Chicago this weekend. Here are many of the highlights we expect to see, with more details appearing within the many upcoming AXPONA 2019 show reports on Enjoy the Music.com. A wide variety of McIntosh home audio products can be found in a variety of rooms. Models scheduled to be on display include the brand new MTI100 integrated turntable and RS200 wireless loudspeaker system, their 70th Anniversary System comprised of MC2152 vacuum tube amplifier and C70 vacuum tube preamplifier, MC1.25KW (1200 Wpc) and MC611 (600 Wpc) quad balanced monoblock amplifiers, MT10, MT5 and MT2 precision turntables, plus C1100, D1100 and C52 preamplifiers. Also making an appearance is McIntosh's MA9000 integrated amplifier.

Gingko Audio will be in Room 1520 presenting three different systems: Tube, solid-state, and Class D, playing into the same speakers so that the audience gets to compare how these technologies differ in sound. They will use three different integrated amps: the UK's 100W Cyrus One HD Class D amp, Japan's 8 Watt Triode TRV-A300XR, and California Wells Audio's 150 Watt Majestic solid-state to drive the new Gingko Audio Clarissa monitor speakers. The supporting cast of sources: turntable, DACs, and streamer/server will be just as international in flavor, featuring components from Poland, Austria, China, Mexico, and the USA. Rounding out the systems will be cables from Danacable and vibration control from Gingko Audio of course! They plan to run demos every half hour and the audience gets to choose two out of three systems to play the same music tracks for comparison. It is promised to be a fun experience.

Raven Audio's all new Avian Series MK3 integrated tube amplifiers will be featured at AXPONA 2019. The Avian Series amplifiers were created using the same knowledge and experience gained from crafting the world's finest high-end tube amplifiers like the Shaman. Avian integrated tube amplifiers offer an unprecedented level of quality in their price range. The MK3 series has been completely redesigned with enhanced audio circuitry, military-grade PC boards, and heavier chassis. Raven Audio's Corvus Tower loudspeaker system is a 'mastering grade' loudspeaker system that effortlessly transports you into an environment where the music is sweet, realistic and alive. The large life-like sound stage and extreme vocal presence combine with an articulate mid-range, sparkling highs, and pinpoint bass. The accuracy and minute details you'll hear with every track will leave you experiencing sounds you've never heard before.

Naturally high-end audiophiles demand the very best. And so Qobuz has been once again chosen as the official streaming service of a USA show. Attendees will experience Hi-Res music at up to lossless 24-bit/192kHz resolution on Qobuz in most every exhibit. Qobuz, the world's first and only certified Hi-Res Music streaming and download service, will be streaming in more than 190 listening rooms throughout the show on some of the world's best music systems. In the USA, Qobuz has quickly become the streaming choice of true music connoisseurs insisting on the highest quality files and listening, and it is now integrated with many of the world's top audio manufacturers, including Mark Levinson, Aurender, McIntosh, Devialet, Sonos, Wolf, Esoteric, and BlueSound to name a few.

Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems will demonstrate two reference level systems at AXPONA 2019. Their Relentless Monoblocks, Momentum HD Preamplifier, and Momentum M400 Monoblocks will all be featured. In partnership with Paragon Sight and Sound of Ann Arbor, MI in the Innovation 1 room, the new Momentum HD Preamplifier will make its world premiere coupled to the Relentless Monoblocks. Also featured will be the Momentum Phonostage. Associated equipment will include the Wilson Audio Alexx loudspeakers and Subsonic subwoofers powered by Progression Monoblocks. Digital playback will be provided by dCS Vivaldi components and Clearaudio will handle the analog playback. Transparent Cable will be used throughout. Within the Nirvana Lounge, they are paired with F1 Audio of Palatine, IL with another spectacular system. The new Momentum HD Preamplifier will also be featured in this system and connected to the Momentum M400 Monoblocks. The system will drive the Magico M6 loudspeakers and Q-Sub 18 Subwoofers. Chord Electronics will serve as the digital front end. Transparent Cable will be used in this system as well.

Cardas Audio is excited to introduce a new headphone cable - Parsec Headphone! It's making its world debut at AXPONA 2019 in Chicago and starts shipping Monday, April 15th. Cardas Audio started the headphone upgrade cable revolution back in the early 2000s to make a more durable cable for HD600 headphones. As a personal project at the time, it turned into a Cardas product. First offered in a light blue jacket, then grey, it's been with Cardas since 2003, and has helped introduce countless headphone enthusiasts to the sonic and durability benefits of upgrade cables. Now, 16 years later, we're upgrading the original upgrade cable! Parsec Headphone applies conductor refinements in a traditional star-quad geometry, improved shielding and more advanced dielectrics in a flexible Alcryn rubber outer jacket. As part of the Parsec family of cables, it offers the characteristic detail and holographic imaging of the rest of the Parsec line, along with the warmth and richness that makes extended listening sessions so enjoyable.

The legendary Technics SP10 Series of direct drive turntables and systems are at the heart of the brand's admired by DJs and audiophiles worldwide. Building upon their impressive heritage, the new SP10R and SL1000R are an astonishing achievement in direct drive technology, leading the market into a new era of near-flawless performance. Both the SL-1500C Premium Class and SL-G700 Grand Class will be at AXPONA 2019.

Pangea Audio, developer and manufacturer of high performance, high value audio accessories, will join forces with three of its favorite audio brands for an AXPONA 2019 display that covers some of the audio market's most respected cables, components, speakers, and accessories. Pangea and its partner brands – Cardas Audio, Vincent Audio, AURALiC, and Ryan Speakers, will feature new and acclaimed products in complete systems designed to show how great sound can be achieved at a reasonable investment. For its part, Pangea Audio Distributing will highlight the new X-Brace Audio Rack, which incorporates a modular design, providing both a sturdy, low vibration platform for electronics and gear. By adding the X-Brace design to the entirety of the rack, extreme stability is achieved, with each shelf capable of holding 80 lbs., and 300 lbs. for the entire four-shelf rack. In comparison, the original Vulcan Audio Rack holds 72 pounds per shelf and 220 pounds total.

Vincent Audio's popular SA 32 hybrid stereo preamplifier and SP 332 hybrid stereo amplifier will also share the spotlight, along with Ryan Speakers' exciting new S-series, the AURALiC Aries G1 Wireless Streaming Bridge and Vega G1 Digital Audio Processor, and a wide selection of Cardas Audio cables.

Paradigm, Anthem, and MartinLogan are pleased to announce exhibition plans for AXPONA 2019. These companies will showcase a broad range of advanced loudspeaker designs and cutting-edge audio electronics. Paradigm and Anthem will offer two-channel demonstrations featuring Paradigm Persona Series speakers and Anthem STR electronics. MartinLogan will offer three two-channel demo systems including their Renaissance ESL 15A, Expression ESL 13A, and Impression ESL 11A hybrid electrostatic loudspeakers.

LTA will be all over the place at AXPONA 2019. The microZOTL Preamplifier will be paired with ZOTL Ultralinears. These are monoblock with unique custom wooden faceplates and mated with Daedalus speakers. Partner Fern & Roby plan to show off the MZ3 as a preamplifier running with LTA's new ZOTL40 amplifier through their beautiful floorstanding speakers. LTA's microZOTL Preamplifier + Ultralinear amplifier and Spatial Audio's latest open baffle loudspeaker designs will also be at AXPONA. Last but not least, you won't want to miss the Ear Gear Expo filled with a bevy of high-end headphones for you to listen to with the MZ3, yet their new Z10e Electrostatic headphone amp will also be on display for your listening pleasure.

Alma Music and Audio will be at AXPONA 2019 debuting high-end audio goodies. Fronting the system is Bergmann Audio's Galder turntable and Odin air-bearing tonearm. They're very excited to carry Bergmann's products in the USA, so much that they've invited Johnnie Bergmann himself to our room to do the honors and introduce his amazing masterpiece to the public. And, with such an amazing analog rig, their reference Dan D'Agostino Momentum Phono Stage will also be shown. Amplification will be provided by the German LinnenberG Widor stereo amplifier, with its amazingly low 126dB noise floor. And, making its worldwide debut, the LinnenberG Satie will handle DAC/preamp duties. The LinnenberG Satie is a brand new product, that, at its sub-$10k price point, demands further investigation. For music server is the company's reference Innuos Statement, who's been turning more than a few heads recently. This is a revolutionary digital transport! Speakers are YG Acoustics' brand new Hailey 2.2, launched earlier this year, and it'll be making its show debut at AXPONA 2019. Equipment racks will be provided by SGR, cables by Swisscables and power conditioner by GigaWatt.

And that wraps up Enjoy the Music.com's AXPONA 2019 pre-show report. We look forward to seeing many of you in Chicago this coming weekend!

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