Florida Audio Expo 2025

Michael Ochs of Upstream Audio in Deerfield Beach, Florida, brought a sweet rig to FLAX that included the new Clearaudio Unity tonearm, allied with the Clearaudio Reference Jubilee turntable that I reviewed for Stereophile back in June 2022.

The Clearaudio Reference Jubilee turntable ($45,000), with the gorgeous flagship Unity tonearm ($20,000), was mounted with a Hana Umami Red MC cartridge ($3,950). This analog goodness fed an Aesthetix Audio Corp. Rhea Signature Phono Preamplifier with Dynamicap capacitors, “hand-tuned RIAA,” and HRS feet ($10,000).

Of course, digital was in the mix, presented by a Sonore Computer Audio Signature Rendu SE Deluxe Network Streamer ($5350) and SGC SonicTransporter i9 Music Server ($4499). An Aesthetix Audio Corp. Romulus Signature CD Player and DAC ($12,000) including Dynamicap capacitors, Vishay resistors, and HRS feet played those shiny round plastic discs.

Analog and digital signals were sorted through an Aesthetix Audio Corp. fully balanced Pallene Preamplifier ($6500). The preamp is available with an optional phono card featuring two MM/MC inputs in a fully discrete, FET-based, high-gain differential circuit ($1250). An optional DAC card is also available with RCA, TosLink, and USB inputs, capable of DSD64 and DSD128 ($1250).

A hybrid Aesthetix Dione Power Amplifier outputting 160 Wpc into 8 ohms or 320 Wpc into 4 ohms ($7,500) fed Magneplanar MG 2.7x three-way speakers, which feature a True Ribbon Tweeter and aluminum foil midrange and bass drivers ($10,000). An IsoTek V5 Aquarius ($2995) conditioned Florida’s freewheeling power.

With digital playback, the system was polite and efficient, a watercress sandwich of sound.

But when vinyl hit the Clearaudio I was pleasantly surprised, quickly engaged, and wanted more. With Ochs spinning a Ray Montagne album, I was quickly caught up in the compelling faux Okie vocal, brushed drums and generally haunting ether. Music was still light, but with soul and sustenance, albeit with light bass, but an ethereal, atmospheric infusion that made me feel lightheaded, but relaxed. Breathe in, breathe out.