CanJam SoCal 2022 Show Report
Aural adventures and dynamic innovations!

Moon Audio was a bit of an adventure for various reasons but I had a wonderful time auditioning the Sonoma headphone amp, streaming Qobuz through a pair of Bravura headphones ($1995 and up), both from Warwick Acoustics. I chose to unleash my prog side for this, with a bit of King's X for their harmonies and the intricate footwork Gerry Gaskill does on the drums. And lean in for this one kiddos, because the tight harmonies the trio is famous for were bigger and more spacious than ever, while still maintaining that in-your-face vibe.

Dan Clark Audio It took me a couple of tries to get into the Dan Clark room but I was a happy camper when I did because they greeted me with a pair of their Expanse headphones ($4000) which paired beautifully with the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2. I took a cue from that and sank into some Pink Floyd. What a combo!

Astell & Kern had a large exhibit room unto themselves, and what a room it was! I made multiple attempts to get in and find a seat and I finally managed to eek out a tiny corner sliver of one of the tables. They were debuting their brand new SP-3000 DAC and collaboration, Odyessy with Empire Ears, which unfortunately I was only able to have literally less than two minutes with! I am thrilled that so many people were excited to experience them — but I'm quite sad I didn't get enough quality time with them. If the ear-to-ear smiles on people's faces were any indication of quality, I'd say Astell & Kern is batting 1000 yet again.

Meze Audio was alight with smiling faces from listeners who were crowded around to vie for a chance to get a spot. When I finally got a chance to sit down, I was taken with how friendly and thorough their team was in providing me with details on their headphones. I started with the Empyreneans ($3000) which are their planar magnetic headphones that share the same "brain" as their Elite headphones, which is exactly what I moved on to.

The Meze Audio Elites ($4000) have a different driver and a bit more speed. I found them to be a solid pair of headphones and quite comfortable, given the patent-pending equalizing pressure system on the headband. I had a quick visit with the Liric ($2000) which was more than pleasant (truth be told I wish I had more time with them but a pair of persistent hands kept reaching over and feared that impatience would turn to rudeness so handed them over). I was offered significant time with Meze's latest creation, their 109pro open-back headphones and yowza - what a difference! I was greeted with a way deeper mix and bigger soundstage.

I put on some tunes and knew inside out (literally having been in the studio while they were being recorded) to see what I could hear. The 109pro's are honest. And they make me smile.

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