 Something we learned after Capital Audiofest: If a showroom is set-up by Stirling Trayle, you are guaranteed the most optimal set-up for the gear and room you are listening to! Using our Avenger Reference with mounted Lyra Etna, Nordost Odin 2, Stenheim, and VTL, this room was quickly dialed and singing at the Axpona International Hi-Fi show!  The Avenger has been the "Nordost favorite" to use at shows because of the ease to swap tonearms. In the past, Nordost has done an impressive demo by swapping between tonearms, with and without Nordost Wire, both with the same cartridge mounted. This time, we skipped switching arms and went for an all out sonic assault using the Lyra Etna, a VPI favorite brand. While the Lyra Atlas reigns supreme, the Etna is a better choice for the abuse of an audio show. We are no strangers to Nordost, considering we use them in all of our Reference level tonearms. We also like the accessories Nordost has developed that can be applied on turntables and to isolate equipment/wire.  Powered by VTL's impressively massive amp, the sound of tubes warmed the room and music on that cold Chicago weekend. It is truly a statement piece ,both sonically and visually, while the sonic benefits have a shorter, faster and fully balanced negative feedback loop, with zero global negative feedback. The Odin 2 cable delivered it's usual detail and transparency without any brightness. At the end of the chain was the Stenheim Alumine 5 with two 10” woofers, neodymium tweeter, and 6.5” neodymium mid-range in a robust aluminum cabinet.  Another successful show with amazing people and music! Already looking forward to the next time this combo is together!
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Another trip across the boarder to the Montreal Show! We first joined the Montreal Show, many years ago, when partnering up with Joseph Audio and their impressive Pulsar Speakers. The Pulsars have proven to be a dynamic, realistic speaker that works in almost every room! We have used them both at other shows and our own listening room; but, we have yet to find a room/room shape the Pulsars don’t musically work with.  This year, that experience was elevated even more with Jeff bringing and debuting his new Pulsar 2 speakers. Musically, they did everything the original speakers did and then some! With a fuller sound and kick drum in the room, it leaves you asking yourself: “How are these speakers not floor standing with that punch?” Jeff and Harry were in their glory days as they spun their vinyl records on our direct drive. They both brought along our new Anniversary Limited Edition HW-40 turntable and made Reel-to-reel musical comparisons.  The first day, we gave the industry a teaser, with our new protype cartridge Manufactured by Miyajima Labs. OEM products aren’t a norm for Miyajima; but, Noriyuki and Harry were excited to make this labor of love for the 40th Anniversary year. The cartridge features a boron cantilever with elliptical styles at.3mV output that has a threaded cocobolo wood body. The plan is to do a limited 100 anniversary cartridge run; but, the retail price is still being determined.  The rest of the system included Cardas Cables, the VPI Voyager, and the Alluxity Integrated amplifier. The second day, we switched out the Miyajima and threw on the Audio Technica ART-1000, which is slowly becoming the HW-40's favorite combination. The room was constantly filled and kept everyone’s foot tapping for more! We are already excited for next year's show!  |
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February 2021
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