At AXPONA 2026, Avantgarde Acoustic's International Sales Manager Jérôme Andre talks about the gear shown in American Sound's room at the show in an interview with Ken Micallef that's now posted on our YouTube channel. (Angie Lisi of American Sound assisted the proceedings off camera.)
Playing Paul Simon's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"—originally from his iconic 1975 solo LP, Still Crazy After All These Years, and home to one of drummer Steve Gadd's most iconic performances—on the Avantgarde Acoustic system in American Sound Distribution’s room at AXPONA 2026 proved to be a revelation. The recording cohered beautifully: it was balanced, dynamic, and alive with groove and forward momentum.
Every detail of Gadd's kit emerged with clarity, from the crisp resonance of his hi-hat and snare to the booming floor tom and the ambient wash of the room. Voices were clear and liquid; guitar and keyboards equally so. Occasional horn glare aside, the reproduction was 95% effective—and, at its best, genuinely emotional.
Equipment list: Analog sources: SME 60 turntable; Analog Relax EX700 cartridge; AirTight ATE-5 phono stage. Digital sources: Grimm MU2 DAC/preamp/streamer ($25,800); Wadax Studio Player. Preamplifier: AirTight ATC-6. Headphone amplifier: Synthesis Embrace HDP 300B (tube). Speakers: Rethm (active); Avantgarde Acoustic Opus 1 ($18,500/pair). Power cords and cables: Synthesis power cords ($880/3m); Transparent Audio Cables.
