Toronto Audiofest 2026 Show Report Part 1
High-End Audio Highlights, New Gear Debuts, And Must-See Listening Rooms
Top-performing listening rooms, exciting product introductions, prestigious audio gear, and value-packed hi-fi sound systems that captivate music lovers.
Toronto Audiofest 2026 Show Report By Rick Becker

Industry Mixer
Truth be told, I actually finished the hotel rooms early and began to feel my way around the ground floor in the Conference Center. To keep my presentation more orderly, I'll cover all the big rooms in Part 2.

When 6 p.m. rolled around, I found my way to the Industry Reception where I feasted on hors d'oeuvres and savored a Molson beer. There was a small restaurant at the Sheraton, but it seemed to lack the large banquet hall we had at the previous venue.

I mingled a bit, discussing geopolitics and the economic conditions in Canada. Some industry retailers said they felt customers were holding back, waiting to see how economic conditions were going to fare after the US elections. I have the greatest respect for their Prime Minister, Mark Carney. While he may not please all the people up north, he is certainly a man for these times. Since returning from the show, the referendum for Alberta Independence, in which political operatives from the American Republican Party were found to be assisting, has failed. Hopefully, we will soon be able to get back to listening to music.

In Montreal, Michel Plante swore that he was stepping away from the Audiofest, but he obviously couldn't hold his breath very long. He stepped forward to deliver the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Angela Cardas, the youngest daughter of George and Darcy Cardas, and COO of the famous cable manufacturer, Cardas Audio, stepped forward to receive her totem.

Words were spoken, and she was obviously very appreciative of the award.

Sarah Tremblay, Director of Audiofest.ca, and Angela Cardas of Cardas Audio.

After the award presentation, members of the blended family of Tremblay and Plante gathered for a family portrait. It's a family affair.

While others wandered off to dinner at local restaurants, I sought directions to a local drugstore in hopes of finding another SD card for my camcorder. The nearest store I found had none, but directed me to a nearby Walmart. Unfortunately, I took a wrong turn and engaged in a minor expedition. Fortunately, I took note of the position of the moon on this cloudless night and was able to find my way back to the Sheraton.

To be continued in Part 2, coming soon!

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