What stood out most to me was how different the rig sounded compared with last year’s AXPONA setup. This year, Filippelli showcased Estelon Extreme Mk II loudspeakers ($296,000/pair) driven by four Vitus SM-103 monoblock amplifiers ($81,000/pair). Completing the system were a Vitus SL-103 preamp ($42,000) and SD-025 DAC ($35,000), two SonoruS ATR10 tape decks ($35,000 each), a Taiko Olympus streamer ($95,000), Crystal Cable’s ART Series Da Vinci and Van Gogh cabling, plus limited-edition Infinity power cables ($300,000 total); hidden Audio Realignment Technologies ART EMI-absorbing devices ($130,000); and prototype diffusers from Ekustik.
Last year’s presentation was a powerhouse knockout, but it was also a bit dark-sounding. This year, by contrast, was all openness, light, and natural beauty.
Filippelli credited several changes: the sonic ease that four monoblocks can provide; the Ekustik prototype diffusers; wood paneling, hidden behind black drapes, that enlivened the acoustics of the otherwise dead-sounding, cube-shaped room; and the ART gear.
All I know is that the sound was great. Bass might have been a mite tubby, but for a room with such diabolical dimensions, it was still a triumph. Were B.B. King still alive, he’d be thrilled to hear how wonderful a tape transfer of one of his recordings sounded on this virtuosic system.
