Totem Pull, Aragon Push: Canadian Precision Meets Classic Power
As the former owner of an Aragon 8008 power amplifier, I was curious to see how the company’s products have evolved. I used to admire the amp’s V-shaped heatsinks and felt lucky to own it. It was the second high-end amplifier I bought, and a major upgrade over the bright-sounding Adcom that came before it.
Treehaus, DaVa, and Iconoclast: Wood You Believe This System?
Treehaus: The name conjures bark and birdsong, but its products are pure Klangbildvergrößerungsmaschinen*. Rich Pinto of Treehaus Audiolab creates gear that fuses sonic beauty with sculptural woodwork and the control of a practiced hand. All circuitry and internal construction are the work of Radu Tarta, a designer known for his meticulous builds.
Two Reeds Don’t Make a Clarinet: AXISS Audio, Air Tight, Franco Serblin, Reed, TARA Labs, Eversolo, Nihon Onkyo Engineering
AXISS Audio, led by president Cliff Duffey, made a bold showing at AXPONA 2025, with five rooms and as many product debuts.
Vinyl and Value: Fidelity Imports Brings Michell and Q Acoustics to AXPONA
Room 1225 with Fidelity Imports offered a jolt of musical energy—vinyl spinning, bookshelf speakers punching, and a vibe that was more “groove and grind” than “rise and shine.” Even early in the day, the system sounded wide awake.
Vinyl With a Vengeance: Stereo Haven, Toffco, Well Tempered, Dynavector, Jadis, and Reynaud Bring It On
Tony Santos of Stereo Haven and Mike Pranka of Toffco brought a Well Tempered Lab turntable—a common sight in rooms with standout analog sound. In room 624, the Well Tempered Lab Amadeus, for which Pranka serves as US distributor, delivered a sense of musical ease and warmth.
Volti Leads, Innuos Feeds, Mojo and Cary Hold the Line
For me, Volti Audio systems from Greg Roberts have become perennial standouts at audio shows. Their purity, vivid dynamics, and—perhaps most important—their rich, natural tone create an immersive presentation in which all types of music truly swing and sing.
Watt’s Up? TEAC and Vienna Acoustics Bring World Premieres
In partnership with Playback Distribution, TEAC debuted its new AP-507 stereo power amplifier ($2799) early in the day, luring this reviewer with strong coffee and stronger specs.
Wattson’s Madison Amplifier Debuts with CH Precision DNA, Magico Brawn
At Munich High End 2024, my biggest discovery was Switzerland’s Wattson Audio. It’s easy to hear a sonic kinship between Wattson and its new owner, CH Precision—an affinity that helped explain CH’s acquisition of the company last year.
Well Pleased AV, QLN, Vinnie Rossi, Merason, Innuos, GigaWatt, SGR: No Vinyl, No Problem
Mark Sossa of Virginia-based distributor Well Pleased AV brought a sweet lineup to Chicago, including the world-premiere Merason Mountain DAC ($20,000).
Where “Whiskey and You” Got Under My Skin: the AXISS Room with AirTight, Transrotor, Rockport, and Echole
Cliff Duffey, TJ Goldby, and Steve Huntley of AXISS Audio aren’t just savvy representatives—they’re passionate advocates for the high-end brands they carry. Their rooms at AXPONA reflected care, from product selection to well-curated playlists that demonstrated a serious grasp of what makes music sound alive.