Audiophiles are often misunderstood as mere hobbyists; in fact they hold a profound reverence for sound. Japanese jazz kissas, where vintage vinyl, turntables, tube amplifiers, and horn speakers have drawn audiences since the 1950s, exemplify this passion. Western audiophiles share a similar fervor, though our pursuit of sonic perfection often manifests in a more discreet, almost monastic, lifestyle.

Shinobu Karaki, a 65-year-old electronics designer, is the founder and chief designer of Japan's Aurorasound. A music lover first, an audiophile second, and an aspiring jazz and classical guitarist, Karaki crafts phono stages, step-up transformers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, and integrated amplifiers for his Yokohama-based audio company.

Keith Haas and Rob Standley of Playback Distribution, PMC loudspeakers, and a gaggle of men in suits from Esoteric brought a big, banging, no-holds-barred system to Tampa.

Lone Mountain Audio’s Brad Lund, Aleks Bars, and old Hall Audio pal Leland Leard brought a minimal but effective rig to Tampa.

Johnnie Bergmann (Bergmann Audio) and Vassil (Taiko Audio) guided me through the elaborate configuration of this expensive system—thankfully, as my brain was already fried by midday Friday.

Under the leadership of Steve Jain, Fidelity Imports brings to market a selection of exceptional brands including Diptyque, Primare, Unison Research, Opera Loudspeakers, Gold Note electronics, Q Acoustics, and Acoustic Energy.