Capital Audiofest (CAF) 2016 Show Report
Dr. Vinyl, Larsen, Gamut, Pear Audio, And Ortofon
Report By Kemper Holt

  In the Randolph room they had their speakers were shoved back against the wall, unlike most rooms where speakers are well away from the walls? What's going on here? For the audiophile who must have the speakers close to the front wall, Larsen has a wonderful solution.

The Larsen line of speakers from Sweden are designed to sound their best when placed right up against the front wall of your room. This was one of the most talked about rooms at the show, with great sound yet without a third of your room dominated by speakers. The room was hosted by Jose Ramirez (A.K.A. Dr. Vinyl) who is local to the show, and Michael Vamos from Audio Skies. The system I heard used the Larsen 8 speakers ($6995 per pair), Pear Audio Blue Kid Howard turntable with Cornet 2 arm ($4995), Pear Classic Phono stage ($1995), Ortofon Cadenza Black cart ($2729), Ortofon MC Transformer ($1679), Gamut Di150 Dual Mono Integrated amp ($12,990), and Gamut cabling. When I closed my eyes, what I heard was a wide and modestly deep sound stage, precisely focused vocals, solid imaging across the stage, deep and propelling bass drive, great tone, and I just relaxed and let the music take me for a ride. From Sheffield Labs Direct Discs to Neil Diamond the system had plenty of information and dynamic contrasts, never sounded thin, and made my head bounce to the music.

The Pear Kid Howard turntable looked beautiful and contributed to the musical involvement I was enjoying from the system. Jose also showed a smaller system also with Larsen speakers, Larsen 4 ($1995 per pair), and another Pear TT, Robin Hood with Cornet 1 arm ($2995) that was a value bargain.

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