Atlantis Lab’s Yusuke Yasuda, and Decibel+’s Gabriel Andrés Toro brought one of the most surprising systems of the show, featuring Neoson tubed amplifiers and Atlantis Lab loudspeakers, both brands manufactured in France. Atlantis Labs' concept designer Eric Buy and Neoson concept designer Walter Blondel were also on hand.

Adrian Belew had an itch that needed some serious scratching. The iconoclastist/vocalist had a hankering to perform material from the three King Crimson albums he fronted during the proto-prog band's 1980s revival—October 1981's Discipline, June 1982's Beat, and March 1984's Three of a Perfect Pair.

Norm Steinke, Burmester sales manager for the US, presented two complete Burmester Audio systems at T.H.E. Show in New Jersey. Both systems were composed of components drawn from Burmester’s tiered product lines: Signature Line, Reference Line, Top Line, Classic Line. The two displayed setups featured an assortment of components divided among these categories.

It's been said before, but the essential truth remains as shiny as a new 2A3 tube: A well-made, good-sounding integrated amplifier is a sonic marvel, a triumph of audio engineering.

Springfield, Illionois–based Legacy Audio, which is under new ownership, promised a "Total HiFi Experience" at the "Legacy Audio Showcase." They weren't kidding. Creating three rooms out of a single lower-level chamber plus a larger, special-purpose room, Legacy Audio provided a different listening experience around each corner.

Tony Minasian brought his handsome Oriaco loudspeakers and his own CDs recorded with top players as sources.

Robin Wyatt is a good egg, a mensch, a stand-up guy. Not only does Robin create badass listening rooms and occasionally shower attendees with fine scotch; he's also generous to a fault. Most recently, Robin donated a Miyajima 78 cartridge to The Hot Club of New York, which plays 78s on a restored vintage system. It's a must-hear room if you're in New York's Flatiron District.