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Showing in the US for the first time in years, Metaxas & Sins by Kostas Metaxas offers audio gear that straddles the line between technology and art. The company refers to its components, justifiably, as "high-end audio sculptures." The aesthetic is unique.

But appeal of the gear is more than just visual; it sounds spectacular, starting with the Tourbillon reel-to-reel player ($49,000), which features a tourbillon timing mechanism (in case you're not into horology, "tourbillon is a watch thing; watches are big in the Metaxas design aesthetic) to improve the accuracy of the…

The Aria Evo X line, which debuted at CES 2024 last month, made its first appearance at an audio show here, also introducing a new Moss Green finish. The first system I experienced included the new Focal Aria Evo X N°4 speakers ($5998/pair), the largest towers in the series. These speakers have a rated response of 37Hz–30kHz, with bass extension down to…

Acora Acoustics' Valerio Cora, VAC's Kevin Hayes, and VPI's Mat Weisfeld are big dudes. They make big equipment. It makes big sound. Their audio assemblage at FLAX produced music that was more than big; it was overwhelming.

This great rig made a mighty appearance in the Westshore ballroom playing a wide variety of tunes: Elton John when his talent was big ("Rocket Man"); Melody Gardot (not big, but big talent) sounding live; Oscar Peterson playing "Summertime" as if he (another big man) was in the room; and Syd Lawrence's big orchestra amassed in front of me with big, shouting…

It could also be that you are experiencing exceptional performance from the gear itself, when it sounds so good that it earns a spot in your long term memory. With Børresen Acoustics' new X1 speakers ($5500/pair), it's clearly—obviously—the performance that earns your attention, regardless of what's playing.

The X1 speaker's 4.5" midrange/bass driver is made with…

After the US Air Force took the plane apart piece by piece, the Japanese returned it to the Soviets in 30 containers, charging them $40,000 for crating…

What didn't I love about the VK-80i? Though its sound is difficult to criticize, compared to some favorite tube amps, like the Manley Mahi or the Ampsandsound Red October, it can come across as a bit mechanical and studious, lacking the very last measures of presence, drama, and fun. Then again, those amps lack the BAT's admirable neutrality and ability to drive speakers of average sensitivity, so pick your poison.

Finally, in operation the VK-80i produces some positively Hadean heat—its power consumption dwarfs that of the ungodly-hot Line Magnetic—so if you live in the tropics or…

Suncoast Audio, a Sarasota-based dealership, was new to me, and boy, did it deliver: Four rooms, and each had serious buzz. Michael Bovaird, proprietor of Suncoast Audio and a cofounder of the Florida Audio Expo, put together rooms that played music that kept the room full, with knowledgeable support personnel (including Nordost's Seth Snyder) to answer questions.

Room 304's setup included the Esoteric K-05XD SACD/CD player/DAC ($12,000), the Pass Labs XP-17 phono stage ($4,500), the Pass Labs XP-22 dual-chassis line stage ($9,975), and the Pass Labs X260.8, 260Wpc Class AB…

High End by Oz's Ozan Turan was showing beautiful equipment in the Kennedy Room, including an Esoteric X-05 CD/SACD Player ($12,000), Thrax Audio Maximinus Silver DAC ($38,500), Viva Audio Solista MK II class A 22Wpc integrated amplifier ($29,500), and Lansche Audio Model 5.2 speakers in white ($57,000/pair). Hifistay Mythology racks ($6,500) held the gear and Albedo provided their Silver signal and power cables ($6,000–$23,000) and a S.I.N. Audio PSD Unlimited Power Distributor ($23,500).

The sound of the Oz High End rig was exceptionally pure and clean in the upper…

An exploration of the artistry and expertise behind the Mediterraneo X is a journey through Italian craftsmanship.