Day 3 Features A Dazzling Array Of High-End Audio Gear At FIAE 2025
Thoughts concerning the most expensive hi-fi stereo audiophile sound systems in Tampa.
Florida International Audio Expo 2025 Show Report By Brett Rudolph

Brandon 5   MBL North America
OK, I am in love with the way these speakers look. Few speakers have the presence and class that these do. It might be the glow on the top of their stately poise, but whatever it is, they always thrill me whenever I see them. That was it until I saw them at this show. I wasn't really impressed from an audio perspective. That all changed.

This was one of my favorite rooms at the expo. It was one of those rooms that did everything right for me. Maybe their new C41 Network player made the difference, but whatever it was, the sound was incredible. It was, in a word, elegant. Start with an enveloping soundstage and add accurate detail to allow its full majesty to fill your world with the potential it holds. Next, imagine that the world holds instruments playing and a female vocalist singing. You can hear all of it in the pristine beauty without anything in the way. It might not be as perfect as your imagination, but it's close enough to get you most of the way there. That's what the room was like.

The system was simple for something that was this powerful. It consisted of MBL 101 E MKII Loudspeaker ($91000), MBL 9011 Mono Amplifier ($64,100/each), MBL C41 Network Player ($11,000), UHA Ultima Apollo Tape Deck. Cables by WireWorld.

Ballroom Sabal   Playback Audio
The first floor hosted Playback Audio's main event, and it was certainly that. The sheer number of components used to create the system was staggering, though I have certainly seen systems this large before. The effort did pay off in the end, and the room sounded great. It was a visit I was happy to make.

The entire playback system recreated the music very well. There was plenty of bass in the large room. The piano sounded lifelike, and the female vocalist on the track I heard during the demonstration was rich and full-bodied. However, I found the soundstage a tad too forward for my tastes, primarily due to the room acoustics and the recording, not the system itself. Overall, it was a wonderful experience; I would've sat there all afternoon if I had allowed it, but alas, Tempus fugit.

There were two systems in the room. The first was demonstrated, and the result is the above. The other was static. I've listed both.

System 1
This was the one being demonstrated. Fernestria Floor-standing Speakers ($99,999), Esoteric T1 Turntable ($80,000), Esoteric P1 Preamplifier ($46,000), Esoteric M1X Mono Amplifier ($35,000/each). Esoteric N1T Network Transport ($28,000), Esoteric K1X SE SACD Player ($38000), Esoteric G1X Master Clock ($27,000), Esoteric C1X Preamplifier ($22,500), Esoteric PS1 Power Supply for K1X SE ($16,000)

System 2
This system consisted of PMC Active Twenty5 22i Bookshelf speakers ($6PMC Prophecy Bookshelf Speakers ($3999), Teac AP-507 Stereo Power Amplifier ($2100), Teac PD-505T CD Transport ($1399), Teac NT-505-X USB DAC Network Player ($2199), Teac PE-505 Phono Preamplifier ($5000).

Park   Fidelity Imports
Fidelity Imports performed a great demonstration, gathering the best from multiple manufacturers. The well-curated system did an admirable job. Unfortunately, taking formal notes in the room was nearly impossible because it was bustling when we arrived. However, the people in the room certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves. If you go by that, then you might have a winner.

The gear in the room was Perlisten S7T Floor-Standing Speakers ($21,990/pair), Perlisten D15s 15” Subwoofer ($5995), Audia Flight FLS1 Preamplifier ($9999), Audia Flight Stereo Amplifier ($11,999), Michell Audio Gyro SE Turntable ($6499), Michell Audio Apollo / Muse Phono Preamplifier and power supply ($4999), Goldring Elite cartridge ($999).

Well, it was over after what seemed like no time, but it was from early morning until 5:30 P.M. in the evening. We had finally completed our mission of the day. We had made it through the hotel rooms or as many as possible. A few were too crowded, a couple had interviews at the time, and some weren't open, but what counted was that we were done. We loved it but were tired, so it was dinner time. Where do weary travelers go to eat? The hotel restaurant.

Remember when I mentioned that it took us forever to get to the hotel? Well, I think that the restaurant might have learned the same lesson. Everything was going great. We ordered, and our dinner came out in a fairly reasonable length of time. The trouble started when my son ordered something to go. It was only a Caesar Chicken Wrap, but he broke the system, and everything stopped. I was afraid we might not make the show the next day.

It was a comedy of errors. First, after half an hour, we decided to get the check and at least pay for everything, only to find that the waitress forgot to order it. We ordered it, and an hour later, we got our to-go order. By the time we got back to the hotel room, both of us were tired and fell asleep.

At Last, The Finale
There were many other rooms at the show, and we saw so much that it was hard to keep it all straight. I am a true believer in the Florida International Audio Expo 2025. The people are charming and far more laid back than they are in any other show I have attended recently. Everyone is paying attention to you, which is something given that many people are in attendance. Also, since the show is only on a few floors, it is easy for you to get around. Please believe me when I say that this makes a huge difference.

Alas, parting is such sweet sorrow, but this is where I must leave you. Don't worry; I will be back for the next show. Until then, myself and son Dylan say "Enjoy the music!"

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