TAVES Consumer Electronics Show 2017 Show Report 
Toronto Audio Video Entertainment Show Part 2
TAVES 2017 Show Report By Rick Becker

  Finally I came upon more audio gear at the large Plurison exhibit featuring Devialet whole system components and speakers, Focal speakers, XLO cables, Roon Ready network players. This space was always busy and I was unable to connect up with Michel Plante who was actively engaged with visitors each time I passed by. My interest in the Clearaudio Master Innovation turntable ($35,995 CAD) seen here attracted the attention of a younger host who knew quite a bit about the table. The TT 5 linear tracking tonearm ($4495 CAD) was previously seen at the Montreal show, if not TAVES last year. The simplicity of this unit is evident when compared to the TT 3 and TT 2 arms on the Clearaudio website. And it is relatively easy to set up. The TT itself can accommodate up to three tonearms. The Master Innovation at first looks like it might be a competitor to the Kronos tables with counter-rotating platters.

The lower platter here is necessary to distance the ceramic magnetic bearing from the cartridge playing on the upper platter. It also adds mass and inertia. Speed is controlled by infrared sensors and an optical speed control mechanism that keeps the high torque motor precisely set at 33, 45 and 78 rpm. The multiple plinths absorb vibrations generated from within, and the magnetic bearing suspension isolates the platters from ground born vibrations. At over 130 pounds you will not likely be mounting this on a wall, but Clearaudio has a stand that mimics the design of the table itself. Red and white were initially produced for a few special orders, but proved to be so popular that they are now offered at about a 10% upcharge. Being in the furniture business, I've always said style and fashion are also important in High-End audio. I guess this anecdote supports my viewpoint. Buyers of previous Innovation series tables will suffer no remorse, as previous versions can be upgraded to the Master level. Progress without obsolescence!

Wandering about the open area of the Main Pavillion, things could get a little weird. At one table I picked up this amulet and it started to get iridescent on me. It kind of made some of Ted Denny's stuff at Synergistic Research seem downright mainstream.

Another booth was promoting a Technology Meetup with an online way for musicians to socialize, share and market their creations with MIDI-enabled devices. If this idea even vibrates your strings, check this out further at: Muze Lounge.

Anne Bisson was on hand to chat and sign your purchase of her CDs and LPs. Ever vibrant, she proudly showed me her award for Best Audiophile Recording — Analogue at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest just weeks earlier.

Sunny Yu of CCSR had a rather provocative display. In an age of drones, what was this dude doing with what looked like a radio controlled single engine airplane? Well, first of all, it isn't radio controlled. Therefore it isn't limited to the distance dictated by your radio controller. Instead, it is controlled over the internet via your smart phone. A small camera is mounted facing forward so you can watch where it is going on your phone. Sonny gave me a demonstration, firing up the engine and moving the ailerons with a smart phone that could have been in Montreal. You will note that the tail of the plane was firmly anchored to the pedestal to prevent it from entering the air space of Toronto's nearby Pearson International Airport, but standing behind it, I was subjected to quite a breeze. Sunny is in the process of getting the military interested in his patent. Failing that, I suspect the drug cartels will line up to capitalize on his technology.

It's well known that I'm a big fan of the Montreal show and TAVES, but less well known is the fact that I admire Sir Elton John and Gilbert Yeung of Blue Circle Audio not only for their talent, but also for their sense of style.

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