Third Floor Part 1: The Toronto Audiofest 2024 Show
Thrilling music on the third floor.
Toronto Audiofest 2024 Show Report By Rick Becker

330  Altitudo Audio
Here's a look at the 2nd Altitudo Audio room – again, with lots of good stuff to look at.

I heard this intriguing white Elipson 402 Tribute speaker ($5866) which sounded pretty good. I was surprised to learn the reasonable price. Unfortunately, the clear Lucite stands did not make it to the show. They make the white balls appear to float in the air.

The EAR V12 stereo tube amplifier from EAR Yoshino ($8442) is a classic design from Tim de Paravincini. I had the honor of meeting him briefly before he died. Such a kind man. Fortunately, his work lives on. It is simply gorgeous.

A stack of Electrocompaniet solid-state gear from Norway was playing the music here and there were HRS damping blocks on almost everything. I also noted the bamboo audio rack from Tri-Art Audio, manufacturers of three complete levels of audio components, all utilizing bamboo for vibration control.

337  Bowers & Wilkins / Marantz
Items from the new 10 Series from Marantz was driving Bowers & Wilkins floorstanders.

Specifically, there was the LINK 10n Reference Streaming Preamplifier ($16k) driving the MODEL 10 dual-mono integrated amp ($20k) with 250 Wpc and a MM / MC phono stage. Shown in black, it is also available in the Marantz Champagne finish. An audioquest Niagara power conditioner was on the lower shelf.

On silent display was the new SACD 10 Reference SACD Player ($16k) .

339  Bowers & Wilkins / Marantz
Three rooms for Bowers & Wilkins and Marantz were shown on the floor plan, but I only have photos and video notes from two rooms. I may have missed one. In any case, this minimalist rig was the important one. The music belied the physical size and the price.

This is the new Marantz M1 all-in-one unit (~$1500) and it answers a lot of questions for people who want their audio gear to be heard, but not conspicuous. It is a wireless streaming amplifier with 100 Wpc with eARC and HEOS built-in, as well as a subwoofer out.

Max Rhule of Wired With Sound took note of my interest and explained everything it can do. The photo above pretty much explains it all, too. I couldn't help but dream what this might sound like with an Audio Sensibility Testament power cable with a figure-8 (C7) end and the new Giant Steps footers I have in for review from LessLoss. Hmmm.

In keeping with the elegance of the Marantz rooms, Bowers & Wilkins' headphones were displayed on an etagere bookcase with back-lighting.

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