LATEST ADDITIONS

Capital AudioFest 2019

Basis 2200 Signature turntable, Calibrator Base, Reflex LP Clamp, and Vector 4 Tonearm; Lyra Delos Moving coil cartridge; LKV Research Veros One Phono Stage and Line One pre-amplifier

Herb Reichert Nov 04, 2019

I have always admired Bill Hutchins, the chief designer at LKV Research, because to me he embodies the true amp-builder’s spirit.

Capital AudioFest 2019

VPI HW-40 turntable, Schroeder Tonearms, Miyajima and Tzar Cartridges, Mytek DAC, Metal Mat’s Platter Mat, Butler Amplification, Electrostatic Solutions Quad Loudspeakers, Finley Audio cables, Wax Rax Racks

Ken Micallef Nov 04, 2019

That Robin Wyatt (aka Robyatt) knows how to put on a show is obvious. That he assembles a fine sounding room is also a given. So, when Wyatt enlisted recording/mastering engineer Tom Fine to discuss and play records, representing the work of his parents, Robert Fine and Wilma Cozart Fine, the result was predictable: Standing room only crowds.

Capital AudioFest 2019

Joseph Audio Loudspeakers, Unison Research DAC and Amplification, Balanced Audio Technology Phono Stage, Feickert Turntable, Shick Tonearm, My Sonic Lab Cartridge

Ken Micallef Nov 04, 2019

On the last day of the show, loudspeaker designer Jeff Joseph showed no sign of slowing down. Remote in hand, he bounced around his room like the battery bunny, welcoming attendees, switching his rig between analog and digital, and smiling his way through it all.

Capital AudioFest 2019

Spatial M3 Sapphire Loudspeakers, Linear Tube Audio Z10 Integrated Amplifier, Lampizator Amber 3 DAC, Anticables

Herb Reichert Nov 04, 2019

My three-day reconnaissance suggests that Mark Schneider and his company, Linear Tube Audio, scored big at CAF, downstairs in the Headphone Lounge and with a room I and many showgoers thought was a candidate for Best Sound at Show.

Capital AudioFest 2019

GT Audioworks Loudspeakers, Pass Labs Electronics, Basis Audio Turntable and Tonearm, Mosart Cabinet

Herb Reichert Nov 04, 2019

The other big room with spectacular sound on the Rockville Hilton’s atrium level featured products from Pass Labs, GT Audioworks, and Basis Audio.

Capital AudioFest 2019

Fern & Roby Turntable, Concert Fidelity Amplification, KR Vacuum Tubes, Fleetwood Sound Speakers, Black Cat Cabling

Ken Micallef Nov 04, 2019

Oswald Mill Audio (OMA) is known for thinking outside of the box, and its new division, Fleetwood Sound Company, looks to extend that tradition.

Capital AudioFest 2019

BorderPatrol DAC and Amplification, Volti Loudspeakers, Innuos Music Server and Reclocker, Triode Wire Labs Cabling

Ken Micallef Nov 03, 2019

I’ve favorably reviewed both Gary Dews’ BorderPatrol amps and Greg Roberts’ horn-loaded Volti Audio speakers. Since I couldn’t afford to purchase either when I reviewed them, I was looking forward to seeing and hearing their wares at CAF.

Capital AudioFest 2019

Vinnie Rossi Amplification, QLN Loudspeakers, Innuos Music Server, SGR Equipment Rack, GigaWatt Power Conditioner, Triode Wire Labs Cabling

Ken Micallef Nov 03, 2019

Amplifier designer Vinnie Rossi has the looks of a dapper clotheshorse. His gear is also stylish and eye-catching, kind of steampunk-techno. But there's substance there, too.

Capital AudioFest 2019

MoFi Turntable, Cartridge and Phono Stage, Rogue Integrated Amplifier, Heed DAC, Wharfedale speakers, Audience cabling

Ken Micallef Nov 03, 2019

With so many megabuck rooms fattening the floors of CAF 2019, it’s easy to miss the smallish, sub-$10,000 systems making absolutely first rate sound. One such room was manned by MoFi’s Jon Derda: the Tenacious Sound/MoFi/Quad room.

Capital AudioFest 2019

VAC Statement 452iQ power amplifiers and Statement Line and Phono Preamps; Von Schweikert Ultra 11 Loudspeakers, Kronos Pro Turntable and Black Beauty Tonearm, Airtight Opus One Cartridge, Masterbuilt Ultra Cables, and Critical Mass Stands

Herb Reichert Nov 03, 2019

Walk through the glass entrance doors, then twenty paces straight ahead, and you find yourself standing at the lip of a dizzying precipice, with a full panoramic view of the Rockville Hilton’s vast LP-filled atrium. To your right is a spectacularly lit glass wall that measures about 25’ high by 75’ wide. Above the glass is a giant banner baring the turquoise Valve Amplification Company’s logo: VAC. Standing in front of the wall are groups of urbane sophisticates: handsome men in suits, beautiful women, bright-eyed children. This envy-inspiring display is assembled by The Audio Company out of Marietta, GA; who describe themselves as “purveyors of hi-end luxury audio.”