AXPONA 2025

At this year’s AXPONA, Christopher Hildebrand of Fern & Roby introduced a new system that combined striking design with serious analog and digital performance.

A Technics SP-10R and SME M2 12" tonearm were mounted to the new Fern & Roby Richlite-and-walnut plinth ($22,500). A ModWright PH 9.0X phono stage ($4750) and Miyajima Carbon cartridge ($2999) completed the analog front end.

Digital gear included a Weiss Helios DAC ($21,995); a Network Acoustics Origin 5V PSU and DAC cable ($2100); a Muon Pro streaming system ($2620); an Eno2 streaming system ($1610); and a Tempus switch ($4650).

A 25Wpc solid-state Fern & Roby No. 2 integrated amplifier ($8500) drove Fern & Roby Raven II loudspeakers ($5950/pair), placed on Fern & Roby isolating speaker stands ($1650/pair).

Also in the system: Black Cat Cables ($2495–$3595); a Fern & Roby Equipment Rack No. 1 ($5950, 48"W × 22"D × 30"H); an Iso brass record weight ($375); and 2" and 3" Fern & Roby isolation feet ($325 and $495 respectively).

My time in the room was cut short by the approaching end of the show, but the system promised top-shelf sonic potential.