LATEST ADDITIONS

Capital AudioFest 2019
Luminous Audio and the Pure Audio Project
Herb Reichert  |  Nov 04, 2019  |  12 comments
I mentioned earlier how uncolored, detailed, transparent, and image-specific an open baffle loudspeaker can sound. Unfortunately, not all open baffle speakers are created equal, and making a coherent and musically satisfying open-baffle speaker is much more complex than just bolting a few drivers to a sheet of plywood. The question any loudspeaker designer must ask is, how far should I go? When is done right?
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Capital AudioFest 2019
Raven Audio Amplification and Loudspeakers, Mytek Digital, Soniquil Cables
Ken Micallef  |  Nov 04, 2019  |  0 comments
There's a cliché that says that New Yorkers are fond of wearing black. It's a true cliché. But fascination with the dark side isn’t restricted to New Yorkers.
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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  |  0 comments
I have always admired Bill Hutchins, the chief designer at LKV Research, because to me he embodies the true amp-builder’s spirit.
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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  |  2 comments
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.
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Capital AudioFest 2019
Spatial M3 Sapphire Loudspeakers, Linear Tube Audio Z10 Integrated Amplifier, Lampizator Amber 3 DAC, Anticables
Herb Reichert  |  Nov 04, 2019  |  2 comments
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.
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Capital AudioFest 2019
GT Audioworks Loudspeakers, Pass Labs Electronics, Basis Audio Turntable and Tonearm, Mosart Cabinet
Herb Reichert  |  Nov 04, 2019  |  1 comments
The other big room with spectacular sound on the Rockville Hilton’s atrium level featured products from Pass Labs, GT Audioworks, and Basis Audio.
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Capital AudioFest 2019
Fern & Roby Turntable, Concert Fidelity Amplification, KR Vacuum Tubes, Fleetwood Sound Speakers, Black Cat Cabling
Ken Micallef  |  Nov 04, 2019  |  4 comments
Oswald Mill Audio (OMA) is known for thinking outside of the box, and its new division, Fleetwood Sound Company, looks to extend that tradition.
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Capital AudioFest 2019
BorderPatrol DAC and Amplification, Volti Loudspeakers, Innuos Music Server and Reclocker, Triode Wire Labs Cabling
Ken Micallef  |  Nov 03, 2019  |  6 comments
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.
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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  |  0 comments
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.
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Capital AudioFest 2019
MoFi Turntable, Cartridge and Phono Stage, Rogue Integrated Amplifier, Heed DAC, Wharfedale speakers, Audience cabling
Ken Micallef  |  Nov 03, 2019  |  6 comments
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.
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