Montreal Audiofest 2025 Audiophile Show Report
Canada's Montréal Audiofest 2025 High-End Audio Event Coverage

  The Salon Audio Montreal Audiofest 2025 took place from March 28th through 30th with more than 5000 visitors expected who desired listening, seeing, and touching over 300 brands of high-end audiophile products all under one roof. As the largest show in Canada, attendees experienced the very best high-end audio and video / videophile industry distributors, manufacturers, and retailers in Canada. Within each listening room, exhibitors were overjoyed to share their passion for music with you by demonstrating some of the world's best sound systems from $5000 to $500,000.

Intro To Rick's Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report
More than 300 photos spanning many pages over the coming weeks.
Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
As I pulled into the gas station right behind a new Porsche 911 GT3 with temporary plates taped to the rear window, I noticed the engine was still running. Thinking the new owner was inside buying lottery tickets, I fantasized about jumping into it for a joy ride up to Montreal. But alas, a Porsche is merely a toy that would hardly make it through the snow and ice in the Adirondacks on the way up. My AWD Shooting Brake is designed to carry my toys on the roof, or in the case of speakers and amplifiers, inside. The snow and ice didn't materialize until I pulled into my secret camping spot just below the Canadian border in Champlain, NY. As I pulled in I was surprised to find two USA Border Patrol SUVs parked with lights out. After settling in for the night, 20 yards behind one of them, the first one started up and pulled out of my hideout. A half-hour later, the other had silently pulled away.
---> Introduction To Rick Becker's Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report.

Part 1: Magical Music At The Montreal Audiofest 2025 High-End Audio Show
Starting our exploration of great sound at the Montreal show.
Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
After passing the pool and entering the 1200 wing of the main floor, I looked to my right to check for a room that was easily missed. There was no bowed signage above any of the doors indicating an Audiofest presence, so I proceeded straight ahead to the Phonographe room (1215). It was only after returning home that I noticed room 1204, beyond a zig-zag in the hallway, dedicated to Audiochicks by Marantz [my translation] — something of a lounge for women interested in audio as I recall from last year's show. Deep apology here and also an opportunity to mention many more women were attending the show in Montreal than I recall seeing at AXPONA or Capital Audiofest in recent years. Phonographe is a Canadian distributor who featured an outstanding minimal rig that struck me as a contender for one of the Best Rooms at the show, but this being the first room I had entered, I knew I would have to return here on my sweep at the end of the show to confirm it.
---> Part 1: Magical Music At The Montreal Audiofest 2025 High-End Audio Show.

Part 2: Hi-Fi Heaven At The Montreal Audiofest 2025 Audiophile Show
Visiting the 1300 Hallway here at Montreal Audiofest high-end audio event.
Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
Baetis is one of the unsung great server/streamer companies in the high end, probably because they don't partner with major brands at the bigger shows. What I heard hear (sic) was pretty convincing, however. The T+A amplification has been making big waves in recent years and getting the respect it deserves. The compact size should play well with aging Boomers and anyone else whose living quarters are challenging — or even just those wishing to keep a smaller visual imprint. Compare the size of the two T+A components stacked on the middle shelf with the Saturn power conditioner in a full-size chassis on the bottom shelf, for example. Note the Tough Nut rack here with each wood shelf supported by individual footers at each corner and the entire shelf sitting on special vibration-absorbing footers. I'll get back to these in a minute, but it is nice to see this young company progressing and continuing to show up at shows for three years now.
---> Part 2: Hi-Fi Heaven At The Montreal Audiofest 2025 Audiophile Show.

Part 3: Sensational Sound During The Montreal Audiofest 2025 High-End Audio Show
Exploring the 2300 Hallway here at Montreal Audiofest high-end audio event.
Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
At this point, having covered the 1200 and 1300 hallways, I was halfway around the upper level of the Bonaventure and it was time to take a break and inventory the ducks in the rooftop wildlife preserve. I can assure you I was not alone in doing so. To continue on the upper level, you take a short flight of stairs to ascend to the 2300 hallway. In doing so, it is natural to continue straight ahead into the ArtistCloner room in 2327. If you did this, you probably missed 2326, a few steps down the hallway to the right at the top of the stairs. I get tripped up myself, so don't feel bad. The Watershed Group was new to me. I learned it was previously known as the Rep Company (which I had never heard of) and has warehouse and showroom facilities in Brantford, Ontario. In 2011 they re-branded themselves as The Watershed Group, to reflect their business as importers and distributors of high-end audio and cinema products, as well as design-install experts.
---> Part 3: Sensational Sound During The Montreal Audiofest 2025 High-End Audio Show.

Part 4: Montreal Audiofest 2400 Hallway And Bonaventure Room
A fabulous fusion of audiophile gear.
Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
Aside from the Innuos Zen server, this all-British room delivered the classic British sound with warm, very inviting music — the kind of system for the guy (or family) that isn't interested in spending large for state-of-the-art gear, but rather wants to enjoy their music, whether it's for just an hour or all day long. Art et Son and Erikson Consumer explained the room very simply with their posted price list for all to see. (Thank you!) Hegel used one of their rooms to display a large portion of their products (if not all) and answer questions people might have, though their signage was very informative by itself. Good show, gentlemen! Their other room was both dark and packed with prospective customers. I frequently see Hegel products on the Canuck Audio Mart which suggests they are a very strong brand in Canada. The speakers might have been Andrew Jones' MoFi speakers in there, which would have also drawn a crowd regardless of amplification.
---> Part 4: Montreal Audiofest 2400 Hallway And Bonaventure Room.

Part 5: Saturday Night Industry Banquet And Lifetime Achievement Awards
The celebration continues here at Montreal Audiofest 2025!
Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
After returning to my room to set my batteries charging, I dressed for the Industry Banquet and the Lifetime Achievement Award presentations. This time, I remembered to bring a spare battery with me. The request was for an ‘80s Disco vibe, but my wardrobe was ill-prepared for such an event. The best I could do was throw on one of my Jerry Garcia ties. They’re good for the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Sarah Tremblay, Director of the Audiofest, greeted guests and handed out eyeglasses with variable flashing light sequences. I will give out an award to the first person submitting the correct number of these eyeglasses appearing in the photos in Part 5. One number per person, only. For as many years as I’ve covered this show, I am good friends with relatively few people. The cast of characters keeps changing on me. The guy looking straight at the camera is Stephane Hautcoeur, founder and President of Eon Art Canada, Inc., manufacturers of some of the finest amplifiers in the world.
---> Part 5: Saturday Night Industry Banquet And Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Part 6: The Lower Level, Montreal, And Westmount Rooms
Robots, high-end audio exhibition rooms, plus audiophile rock 'n' roll.
Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
On Sunday morning, I packed up and downloaded my luggage into the shooting brake in the parking garage below the Bonaventure. As I waited in line for a table at the breakfast buffet, I looked longingly at the folks in the pool and hot tub. If only I were not so afraid of getting water stuck in my ears and spoiling the day. While still in line, a robot passed me, heading off to deliver breakfast to someone's room. It caught me by surprise and was gone before I could grab a photo. Moments later, adding insult to injury, a second one passed me by. Breakfast was great — far superior to running across the street to the McDonald's in the train station. Isabeau Corriveau was up early, too, playing for the early arrivals to the show. The escalator descends to the lower level, where the medium-sized and large rooms are located. The bright yellow McLaren Artura was parked near the bottom in an attempt to lure visitors away from the truly high end gear they lust for.
---> Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report Part 6: The Lower Level. Montreal, And Westmount Rooms.

Note: Be sure to check back daily for more Montréal Audiofest 2025 show coverage.

Montreal Audiofest 2025 Celebration
Montréal Audiofest was celebrating its 36th edition in 2025 and remains the must-attend event for audiophiles, high-end audio gear enthusiasts, and music lovers. This long-standing event has become a tradition in showcasing the very latest advances in high-technology, high-fidelity audio equipment in Canada. More than 300 brands will present their latest innovations from music streamers and high-quality headphones to cables, tweaks, loudspeakers, turntables, and much more!

Exclusive VIP Event
Prohibition Night
Immerse yourself in the exclusive "Prohibition Night" at the Montréal Audiofest. Enjoy a refined tasting of six whiskies, accompanied by the best audio systems in the audiofest. An unforgettable sensory experience combining flavor and sound.

The price of $125 includes your three-day event pass and access to this unique evening. A light snack will also be served to complete this premium experience.

With limited availability, reserve now to secure your spot at this exceptional event!

Exclusive VIP Event
La virée musicale des vins / Musical Wine Tour
Montreal Audiofest invites you to experience the unique "Musical Wine Tour"! Embark on an exclusive private tour of six prestigious exhibitors, where each group of eight to ten participants will be guided by a sommelier. Savor six fine wines while enjoying the best audio systems on display at the show. A perfect blend of wine and high-end audio artistry.

For $125, this unforgettable experience includes your three-day admission ticket, a light snack, and of course, a one-of-a-kind sensory journey.

With limited spots available, don't wait to secure your place!

Montreal Audiofest will open their exhibition doors on March 28th for an exceptional time dedicated to Audiolescents aged 12 to 17. The Montreal Audiofest warmly invites parents to experience the many joys of music with their teenagers, where admission will be free for the parent accompanying their AudioTeens. Join exhibitors for an immersive experience where the world of audio and music comes to life in a unique and captivating way. Exclusive activities for AudioTeens includes live demonstrations, dedicated space for Audiolescent, and many other very special surprises.

Currency Value
On March 18, 2025
$1 USD = 1.43 CAD
$1 CAD = $0.70 USD

When
Friday, March 28th from 11am to 8pm
Saturday, March 29th from 10am to 6pm
Sunday, March 30th from 10am to 5pm

Where
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal
900 Rue De La Gauchetière O
Montréal, QC H5A 1E4

Previous Salon Audio Montreal / Audiofest Reports
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999.