Third Floor Fantasies Of Hi-Fi Audio Gear
The continuing journey traveling through AXPONA 2025.
Audio Expo North America (AXPONA) 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker 

364 CAD
It was Computer Audio Design's (CAD) grounding technology that caught my attention years ago when that category was just starting to blossom. Based in Oregon and the United Kingdom, they have grown purposefully with very high-quality electronics since that time, and it is always a treat to visit their room.

They were using an Aesthetix Mimas integrated amplifier ($9k), StenheimAlumine 2SE monitors ($17k) on stands ($1,450), a full loom of cable from Turnbull Audio, with cables starting at $9k, and a SolidSteel rack courtesy of MoFi Distribution.

Their products feature minimalist design, but I believe that's the new CAD 1543 DAC Mk III ($19,500) on top with a CAD Audio Transport (CAT) below, which is only made to order. Next was the Aesthetix integrated amp, and below that, we get into the non-descript noise reduction products from CAD.

Most notable to me was their use of a Ground Control GC1.1 ($2,250) wired to each speaker as seen in the first photo. That was the first time I've seen them do that, although perhaps it was less obvious in the past when they used floorstanding speakers. The larger GC3.1 ($6k) will accept three ground cables ($350 ea.) from different components, but they stress that it is best to use combinations of their GC devices very selectively to maximize the noise reduction. They can give you good advice about this.

This is Scott Berry, who founded the company in 2011. They also make the CAD USB II-R cable ($1,500), a USB Control device ($750), and an Ethernet Control ($1,250) that offers network noise reduction. The music here was delightful, as expected.

368  Constellation Audio, TechDAS, Precision Audio Video, Luxman, And Magico
Constellation Audio, based in the Los Angeles area, presented their new Revelation 2 series, which was first shown at the UK Hi-Fi Show Live in 2024. Constellation is one of the very top-shelf companies in the high end but the Revelation 2 series offers a more reasonable, if still expensive, way to experience their products.

On top of the left side of the Artesania Audio rack was their new Preamplifier ($25.5k). Directly to its right was the Phono Preamplifier ($29k). The new Constellation Switch Mode Power Supply (C-SMPS) for each was housed in a separate chassis, which can barely be seen on the lower right shelf of the rack behind the power amp.

Magico S3 speakers were used here, as well as an Aurender streamer as the digital front end, along with an Esoteric SACD/CD player just above it.

The amp was the new Revelation 2 stereo amp ($30k) with 300 Wpc. Monoblocks are also available at twice that price. The round disc on top was a vibration-damping device from Artesania Audio, which also made the amp stand. While the design of the amp is minimalist, the layered side panels with offset holes give the unit an architectural look in addition to providing ventilation.

The turntable was a rare appearance of the TechDAS Air Force III Premium. Only the entry-level TechDAS Airforce V Premium is more compact. TechDAS turntables are a marvel of technology and come in sizes to fit every ego. A new model from this Japanese company, the Air Force IV, was scheduled to be introduced in May, probably at Munich.

372  Steinway Lyngdorf
Here was another room where the conversation dominated music playback. I've raved about modestly priced Lyngdorf components at the Canadian shows before, but this was my first exposure to a Lyngdorf speaker. This one is designed to work up tight with the front wall, which makes it a rare bird for audiophiles.

The Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 on top works entirely in the digital domain, though it also has analog inputs if you wish to connect a turntable or tape deck. It also incorporates DSP for room correction and is set up for streaming from a wide variety of sources. A smaller model was on the shelf below.

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