Part 8: Capital Audiofest 2024 Large Rooms Part 1
Lovely sounds at CAF 2024's large exhibit rooms.
Capital Audiofest 2024 Show Report By Rick Becker

Adams   Audio Research And PureAudioProject
It was getting late in the day as I entered the Adams room straight ahead at the end of the hallway. VPI had set up a pair of their new Model One turntables, the first in a planned Forever Series. The only difference between them I could see was the cartridge. Below each turntable was a VPI Analog Drive system for controlling the turntable. The black CLA 200 Studio Reference Amplifier did not seem to be active. On the bottom shelf were an Audio Research preamplifier and phono preamplifier. Audio Research tube monoblocks were outboard of each side of the rack.

At first glance, the Model One looked like a re-invention of the Linn LP12 with some obvious differences like the S-shape tonearm that had me guessing how they bored out a pathway for the phono cables. The platter was more massive than anything on an LP12. But things like the extensive use of domed Phillips head screws and a platform covering the drive belt spindle seemed awkward on a turntable that was bound to be fairly expensive. I would think flathead countersunk copper, brass, or titanium screws would add a touch of class. I didn't get the price or any help at all in either VPI room. A guy darted in to cue up an LP and promptly disappeared.

I was delighted to see and hear the PureAudioProject open baffle loudspeakers. Back in 2015, Rachel at Grant Fidelity introduced me to Ze'ev Schlik resulting in the world premiere review of PureAudioProject. I loved the TB Trio model and would have bought the review sample if it hadn't been obvious that it could become a much better speaker with a little refinement. Ze'ev has done his homework and the company has grown, stimulating others to enter the field of open baffle speakers over the past decade.

Looking at the back side it was easy to see the many refinements that have been made over the years, not to mention all the optional drivers and configurations that are available. For comparison, I put the baffle between my thumb and forefinger to feel for vibrations. There was a definite tingle transmitted to my fingers from the music, unlike with the much thicker and heavier granite and wood baffles of the Macaria. I could hear the difference in resolution, too, which is what you would expect in a less expensive speaker. Perhaps this suggests an upgrade path for additional options and refinement for PureAudioProject.

As I sat listening to the music I noticed this little girl playing with a plastic chain that has become the de facto jewelry of NFL fans. Duke Ellington came to mind as I realized "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that bling."

Jefferson   Gryphon Audio Designs And VPI
I swung around the corner into the Jefferson room where VPI was hiding their big guns. Three VPI racks held three turntables showing off the red and blue anodized options. The shelf below each turntable held what appeared to be a power supply. On the next shelf down was the amplification, barely visible. In the center was a Gryphon Audio Designs Essence preamp, while the other two racks each held a Gryphon power amp, probably a monoblock, although the Stenheim Reference Ultime Two speakers ($165k) could have been bi-amp'ed. At over 500 lbs. each, Stenheim stayed with spikes on these speakers.

The VPI Avenger Direct was seen numerous times at the show. I noticed there was no mat on the turntable here, just three blue pieces of tape. That's a trick I learned from Gary Koh at Genesis Advanced Technologies. The tape breaks up the surface vibrations on some platters, improving the sound quality. I've had luck with electrical tape on some platters, but not others. It's a cheap tweak to try, so why not?

The gold cartridge was an Audio Technica moving coil from their ART series, perhaps a new model. Again, no signage here.

There was a small audience of serious vinylphiles engaging with Harry Weisfeld, founder of VPI back in 1978. He looked like he was having fun spinning LPs now that his son, Mat, has had more experience running the company. On the program, it shows a narrow space listed as "Library" on the floor plan and it is labeled "DC Area Audiophiles & High End Home Theater Enthusiasts." As I write, it dawns on me that this is where the stairway leading up was located. I'll have to head upstairs and crash their party next year.

It was after 6 p.m. at this point so I returned to the hotel across the street to charge my batteries and check emails before heading out for dinner.

I was intrigued by the Silver Diner just down the street so I walked over. Established in 1989, they were celebrating their 35th Anniversary. It was much newer than I expected and the place was jammed. I counted nine waiters running past me as I sat at the counter, yet it took a long time just to get a menu. I got to see a lot of plates pass by before a guy finally took my order – a deluxe burger with bacon, etc., and a mountain of fries. Good comfort food.

Right in front of me was a jukebox loaded with great oldies. Apparently, it was free but I figured it was so busy that by the time my selection came around it would be after midnight. That's when I spotted F2, Wilson Picket's "In the Midnight Hour." Perfect. I thought to myself, "Hey, I should install one of these in my car!"

By the time I had wiped my last French fry around my plate, sopping up juice from the hamburger, the place was thinning out. Most of the waiters were just standing around at this point and I wondered if any of them would be deported once Trump took office. Who knows? Next year I might have to go into the kitchen and cook my burger.

More CAF 2024 Show Coverage Coming Soon!
Keep checking back. There are still more great rooms to come. I'll hit the Headphone Lounge, finish up the rest of the Big Rooms, and browse through the Atrium in Part 9. And in Part 10 I'll shine some light on the Best Rooms at the show.

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