AXPONA 2023 Show Report
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Coverage

  AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) 2023 took place from April 14th through 16th at The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. This three-day experience featured multiple hotel floors packed with over 190 listening rooms according to the show promoter. The Expo Hall features The Record Fair, The Ear Gear Experience, and seminars. Whether you're a serious audiophile, a newcomer to high-end audio or simply a music lover, you found everything you need to immerse yourself in your favorite sounds.

Robert C. May's AXPONA 2023 Friday Night Sneak Peek
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Coverage
AXPONA 2023 Show Report By Robert C. May
Our reviewer Robert C. May sent us a few sneak peek photos from his day here at AXPONA 2023. Much more to post in the coming weeks ahead.
---> Robert C. May's AXPONA 2023 Friday Night Sneak Peek.

Robert C. May's AXPONA 2023 Saturday Night Sneak Peek
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Coverage
AXPONA 2023 Show Report By Robert C. May
It's Saturday @ AXPONA 2023 and you know Robert C. May is having a great time! He sent us a small batch from his excursion today through the show. Today's Audio Expo North America 2023 show coverage By Robert features Von Schweikert, LampizatOr, Westminster Audio, MBL, Linkwitz, PranaFidelity, Yamaha, and Quintessence Audio Ltd. with Sonus Faber loudspeakers.
---> Robert C. May's AXPONA 2023 Saturday Night Sneak Peek.

Professor Michael Bump's AXPONA 2023 Show Coverage

Dr. Michael R. Bump's AXPONA 2023 Friday Night Sneak Peek
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Coverage
AXPONA 2023 Show Report By Dr. Michael R. Bump
One of our musicians in residence, Dr. Michael R. Bump, has sent us some great photos from his experiences at AXPONA 2023 on Friday. Michael is a career professional musician, who also instructs percussion at Truman State University's Department of Music. Michael loves system synergy, and so without further delay here are his Friday pics.
---> Dr. Michael R. Bump's AXPONA 2023 Friday Night Sneak Peek.

A Music Professor's Assessment Of AXPONA 2023
Great memories of music plus a renewed energy, and inspiration for the art of premium audio.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Dr. Michael Bump
The audiophile-faithful descended once again on Schaumburg, April 14th through 16th, for North America's largest gathering of high-end designers, manufacturers, and enthusiasts of all levels and backgrounds. AXPONA 2023 is now officially in the books as the largest to date, with public relations/media coordinator, Natalie Stanichuk, reporting just over 9,000 attendees with over 500 companies exhibiting. Over two hundred rooms distributed over 12 floors of the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center provided opportunity to experience and celebrate some of the finest home audio designs in the world.
---> A Music Professor's Assessment Of AXPONA 2023.

Greg Weaver's AXPONA 2023 Show Coverage

Greg Weaver's AXPONA 2023 Friday Night Sneak Peek
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Coverage
AXPONA 2023 Show Report By Greg Weaver
Our Senior Editor, and famous for his The Audio Analyst channel on YouTube, is Greg Weaver who has kindly sent us some great pics from AXPONA 2023 today. Gerg will be sending us a lot more in the coming days, so be sure to check back for much more!
---> Greg Weaver's AXPONA 2023 Friday Night Sneak Peek.

Greg Weaver's AXPONA 2023 Sunday Night Sneak Peek
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Coverage
AXPONA 2023 Show Report By Greg Weaver
Many thanks to Enjoy the Music.com's Senior Editor Greg Weaver for his Sunday sneak peek from AXPONA 2023 (Audio Expo North America). Be sure to also check out Greg's The Audio Analyst channel on YouTube. Greg will be sending us a lot more in the coming days, so be sure to check back for additional AXPONA 2023 show coverage.
---> Greg Weaver's AXPONA 2023 Sunday Night Sneak Peek.

AXPONA 2023 Was Bigger, Better, And Bolder
Taking it from the top with the uppermost floors.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Coverage By Greg Weaver
The message containing the official attendance for this year's edition of AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) landed in my Inbox Wednesday, April 19th, at 3:35 pm. Coincidentally, that was just about the same time that Audio Group Denmark's Peter Hansen and I had decided to take a cigar break. Peter had swung by my place with a pair of the new Børresen X3 loudspeakers and an assortment of their Ansuz Noise reduction gear... but that is another story.
---> AXPONA 2023 Was Bigger, Better, And Bolder.

Rick Becker's Extensive AXPONA 2023 Show Report

The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Introduction
A mix of both younger and older attendees... plus a Chicago riot.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Rick Becker
I rolled into the Renaissance Thursday afternoon in time to register and attend the first of two private listening sessions for the Press. I've been a big fan of Vitus Audio from Denmark since day one. And the same can be said of Estelon speakers — not just for their outstanding sound quality, but also for their artistic design. That the small country of Estonia has been such a staunch NATO contributor and supporter of Ukraine has also earned my heartfelt respect. The room here, set up in conjunction with The Audio Experience of nearby Palatine, IL was in Schaumburg D, around the corner to the right of the Registration Desk on the First Floor.
---> The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Introduction.

The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 1
Sensational sound on the 16th floor.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Rick Becker
I made a big mistake Friday morning. I had read somewhere that the show started at 9 a.m. so I was up on the 16th Floor, ready to go at that time. I wandered up and down the halls of the 16th and 15th floors trying to find music. It seems 9 a.m. was when admission to the show began, while the rooms opened at 10 a.m., which is a normal audio show procedure. I was excited that they would open at 9 a.m. to give me three more hours to work the show, but no such luck. So, here we go! It's always fun to stop into the PureAudioProject room to see which speaker in which configuration they are showing. It is practically a "design-it-yourself" company.
---> The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 1.

The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 2
Fine premium audio gear on the 15th floor.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Rick Becker
Magico hardly needs an introduction. The S3 model in blue shown here was certainly eye-catching, and driven by a pair of CAT (Convergent Audio Technology) monoblocks the music was completely controlled and musical. It was the larger S5 that I heard on Thursday evening before the show began that sounded so good on the 2nd Floor in a much larger room. Being a tube fan, I'd have to say this combination works incredibly well with an inviting sound that makes it easy to emotionally connect with the music. This makes me wonder why they faced the amps together to conceal the faceplates. There was a second room sponsored by Magico, but I'm not sure what was different between them. There was not a lot of literature or component lists at the show overall. Kudos to those who went to the effort.
---> The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 2.

The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 3
Fascinating audio gear on the 14th floor.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Rick Becker
Mission speakers were driven by an Audiolab rig here. The room was labeled American Audio and Video, but Caleb Hansen's exhibitor pass was labeled Audio Advisor (who is based in nearby Michigan). I should have been a little more inquisitive. A Dual CS 618 ($1300) sat atop a Pangea Audio Vulcan Five-Shelf rack at a very reasonable $250. This is a handsome rack for those in the early stages of their audio journey. Below the turntable was an Audiolab CD player, a 9000A integrated amplifier ($3k), and a DC Block 6 direct current blocker (power conditioner?). The Audiolab 9000 series is available in silver or black. The speakers were Mission M770 ($5k, including stands).
---> The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 3.

The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 4
The 12th floor was filled with glorious sounds.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Rick Becker
Business seemed to be booming for Geshelli Labs as I've noted in previous years. They target a younger audience with affordable gear and that bodes well for the industry. Their banner across the window at the end of the hall was a real attention grabber. In one of their two adjacent darkened rooms, they had headphone listening opportunities with a variety of headphones. A display case housed numerous versions of their products clad in Plexiglas. And for the more playful among us, they had a DAC in a wood chassis with a colorful confetti finish.
---> The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 4.

The AXPONA Chronicles 2023: Part 5
Gold Pass suites and more on the 11th floor.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Rick Becker
The 11th Floor was a short floor with only eight rooms plus the Gold Pass Suite. I've raved about the rig here before, giving it a Best Rooms award at Capital Audiofest as I recall. Just sitting in the chairs, much of the holographic sound quality goes to the JansZen speakers which have electrostatic divers in the middle of the front baffle as well as woofers above and below. But you can also see small side-firing speakers and I believe there is also a rear-firing driver as well which all contribute to creating a realistic ambient space for the music.
---> The AXPONA Chronicles 2023: Part 5.

The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 6
Premium audio sound systems on the 7th floor.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Rick Becker
With the drop in altitude, the air was easier to breathe on the 7th Floor. Nonetheless, it must have been difficult for the guys in the first room that normally reside at sea level. This was listed in the program as "Wolf Systems" but it was actually (or co-) sponsored by the House of Stereo that came all the way up from Jacksonville, FL, with a very special rig. TAD has only recently returned to the USA and it was one of only a couple of brands sold by House of Stereo that were not seen elsewhere at the AXPONA 2023 show.
---> The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 6.

The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 7
Many very exciting 6th floor sound systems at AXPONA.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Rick Becker
Continuing along around mid-day on Saturday.... I met Don Thomas of Wathen Audiophile out of Houston, Texas, who presented two completely different speakers in a rig that drew considerable attention from people who ventured into this room. Wathen is not a household name in the high-end... yet. The speakers were powered by Decware amps, 20 Wpc on the left and a 6 Wpc amp on the right, which the guy was photographing. These are rarely seen at shows and the production wait list is backed up to the time you will retire.
---> The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 7.

The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 8
The fascinating 5th floor of premium audio gear.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Rick Becker
This was an interesting speaker for folks who don't wish to obstruct a view any more than necessary. That's a premium full-range Cube Audio F10 driver mounted in the acrylic baffle with a downward-firing floor-coupled dipole woofer. Acrylic has its vulnerability to dust and scratches over time, though there is a special polish for it. The $5900 (plus shipping) speaker is also available with gray or bronze tinted baffles which offer interesting possibilities. The wood supports are available in custom colors as well. The woofer was a 15" Eminence Kappa Professional Series 1200W woofer and out back there was an integral 500-Watt DSP amp / crossover / EQ.
---> The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 8.

The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 9
Fantastic fun on the fourth floor.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Rick Becker
It's now very late I the afternoon on Saturday as YG Acoustics introduced their new Peaks series more than a year ago and my first couple of exposures to it were interesting. My impression took a big step up here at the AXPONA 2023 show with their smallest floorstander, Talus ($14.2k), driven by Bel Canto electronics. I heard more deep bass and the reason is that YG Acoustics added their Descent active subwoofer with DSP filter ($7800), which made its debut at this show. It features an 11" BilletCore driver, a 3" voice coil with titanium former, and a 1000-Watt amplifier with a 124dB S/N ratio. It weighs in at 110 pounds so this is a pretty serious sub.
---> The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 9.

The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 10
Third floor thrills with great sounding stereo systems.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Rick Becker
Well, It seems I screwed up again today, starting about halfway down the side of the aisle, probably thinking this was where I left off on Saturday (up on the 4th Floor). I'm going to have to cover Capital Audiofest incognito lest the hit squads of some of these rooms catch up with me. Of course, it may simply have been the case that the guys running these first few rooms were late to work.
---> The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 10.

The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 11
Sound systems singing with two speakers on the second floor.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Rick Becker
There is but one stairway leading from the 3rd Floor down to the 2nd. It emerges just to the right of the Registration Desk at the hotel. It is not difficult to find if you're already on the 2nd Floor, as it is well marked. But if you're on the 3rd Floor walking from room to room looking at audio gear, it is hard to remember in which corner of the Atrium that stairway is hiding. The alternative is to wait for the elevator. Some signs in each corner of the 3rd Floor or a billboard in the stairway corner that could be seen across the Atrium would be helpful.
---> The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 11.

The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 12
The one, and only, 1st Floor.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Rick Becker
On the 1st Floor, directly beneath the hotel registration desk and lounge are an alcove of boardrooms that are equivalent in size to large living rooms in McMansion size homes, though their ceilings are taller than most. In the hallway leading to these rooms are a few static displays each year. I've always loved Sonus Faber for its exceptional styling. The cabinetry with wood and leather appeals to my lifelong love of furniture and design. They tend to sound very inviting, too. Pictured above is the Electa Amator III, though it is very similar to the Minima Amator II, both of which are in their Heritage Collection that also included the Maxima Amator floorstander.
---> The AXPONA 2023 Chronicles: Part 12.

Best Of AXPONA 2023 Show Report
Rick Becker gives us his Best Of AXPONA 2023 wrap-up report.
Audio Expo North America 2023 Show Report By Rick Becker
Before I left Schaumburg I popped the lid on the cooler in my car and feasted on the extra wings and hot sauce from dinner the night before. As I headed south on I-290 I got caught in the wrong lane to catch the exit to bypass downtown Chicago. I ended up almost to the Loop where I jumped on I-94 to take me south to Indiana and around Lake Michigan. It wasn't until I returned home on Monday that I learned of the civil unrest in the streets of Chicago on Saturday night. It surprised me, and it didn't. Our economy is doing great by one measure. Over the past three decades (the time I've been writing for this ezine) the USA has widened its lead over Europe and Japan in GDP per capita. And we still account for almost 25% of global output during this same period when China has surged.
---> Best Of AXPONA 2023 Show Report.

Concerts

AXPONA is thrilled to announce that Canadian Jazz singer/songwriter Anne Bisson will be taking stage to close the first day of their show on April 14th. The charismatic pianist and television star from Montreal, Quebec is leading her world class jazz trio with new songs and covers. Fresh from the success of her single "Killing Me Softly" from her previous album Keys to My Heart, Anne Bisson has decided to perform and record more standards from the American jazz songbook, as well as new arrangements of classic songs that were so much a part of her teen-age years. Be My Lover, Anne's seventh album that's set to debut in March 2023, is a savory feast of original compositions and classic songs in her own bold new arrangements for her acoustic trio. The concert is open to all AXPONA visitors, so don't miss the chance to attend this highly anticipated performance in Chicago.

Singer-Songwriter Amber Rubarth will be taking the stage on Saturday, April 15th to close out our second day of AXPONA. Known for her poetry-folk acoustic sound, Rubarth has toured all over the world, opening shows for legendary artists including Emmylou Harris, Kenny Loggins, Richie Havens, Dr. Ralph Stanley, and Jason Mraz. Grand Prize winner for songwriting and performance in NPR Mountain Stage new song contest, Amber Rubarth's music has also been woven into several films. Acoustic Guitar raves that Rubarth's songs are "so strong they sound like classics from another era." Concert attendance is free for available for all with admission.

Listening Rooms
See and hear the world's top audio brands reveal their latest and greatest gear in many listening rooms. Experience your music like never before!

Ear Gear Experience
Searching for the latest personal audio gear? In need of the best headphones for an on-the-go listening experience or an upgrade to your rig? The Ear Gear Experience is the place to go to find everything from open-back, closed-back, in-ear headphones and accessories, as well as cables DACs and players. Visit the Ear Gear Experience at AXPONA and find top manufacturers..

The Expo Hall And Record Fair
Shop audio accessories, turntables, cables and more in the Expo Hall. Plus find new and vintage vinyl in AXPONA's own Record Fair.

Where
The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center
1551 N. Thoreau Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60173

When
Friday, April 14 from 10am to 6pm
Saturday, April 15 from 10am to 6pm
Sunday, April 16 from 10am to 4pm

Previous AXPONA Show Reports
Enjoy the Music.com's previous coverage includes AXPONA 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010 coverage.