Here at AXPONA NYC!

The grimy windows, the police sirens in the distance...it must be New York.

I'm actually excited to be here, and the Affinia Hotel is a great venue. I had about two hours of sleep before I caught the 6:20 out of Austin, and by 11am EST I was taking the Amtrak out of Newark to Penn Station. It's been a surreal day so far, and the nap didn't help, but I'll start my AXPONA NYC reports tomorrow.

AXPONA New York This Week!

Well, I'm off this week to another AXPONA show, this one in New York City. I haven't been in New York since the mid '90s, so I'll be excited to see all of the positive changes I've heard about.

In conjunction with CEA, Home Theater and Stereophile, the AXPONA NYC show takes place June 24-25 at the Affinia Hotel, located at 7th Avenue and 31st right across from Penn Station. Of course I'll be reporting right from the show, and hopefully I'll get some nice scoops.

After I'm done at AXPONA, I'm going to visit Jeff Joseph of Joseph Audio at his factory in Long Island. His amazing Perspective speaker is being readied for launch, and I'm hoping to get another listen.

Tickets for AXPONA are $25 per day, and the hours are 1-8 pm on Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturday. You can find out more from the AXPONA NYC website at http://www.axponanyc.com/.

Movin' On Up...

I won't be blogging over the next few days because I'm moving across town. Once I arrive, I'll be eager to set up my new (and much bigger) listening room. My new house has 10' ceilings, so it will be interesting to see how this affects the sound of my system.

After I've settled, I have a lot on my plate. I'm ready to offer my final reviews of the Heed Obelisk SI integrated amplifier and X2 outboard power supply, which will include evaluations of the DACtilus DAC card. I've also spent the last few days listening to the Obelisk without the X2, so I'll be able to comment on that as well. I'll also wrap up my observations on the Achromat and Achroplat from Funk Firm.

After that, I'm off to New York for the second AXPONA trade show, which will begin on June 24. So by the end of the month, I'll blog plenty of reports from the show. Since I have to send the Heed and Funk Firm gear back to Dan Muzquiz of Blackbird Audio Gallery, hopefully I'll be picking up some more gear after AXPONA. I'll give you a hint: it has TOOBS. (Thank God...I've missed the glowing little buggers in my system.)

Eurolab turntable photos from AXPONA

Jon Catuccio of Stereolist.com just sent me these photos from this year's AXPONA show. This is the Eurolab Premier turntable with either a Schroder or a Scheu Tacco tonearm. I didn't get a chance to hear this particular 'table in action, but nevertheless it's beautiful and deserves to be seen.

I remember first hearing about Eurolab several years ago when Michael Fremer reviewed it for Stereophile. Back then the Eurolab was a very minimalist open-architecture 'table that seemed to be little more than a platter, a bearing and an armboard. The Premier is a much more substantial-looking 'table, and I like the copper accents on the motor and the clamp.

I do know something more about the Schroder tonearms, however. I had a chance to interview Frank Schroder a couple of years ago, and he offered more than his share of illuminating insights into the world of tonearm design. His tonearms are so good (along with Breuer, I think his are the finest in the world) that the waiting list for one is months, even years.

If this is the Scheu Tacco tonearm, then Scheu is the company that offers that beautiful pink turntable I blogged about a few months ago. Someone let us know for sure!

UPDATE: I've confirmed it's the Scheu Tacco tonearm.

Random turntables at AXPONA

AXPONA, like most audio shows over the last two or three years, featured a lot of turntables. I didn't see more than a handful of CD players in the entire show--either you were playing music off of a turntable or you were playing it off of a laptop. These are just a few random shots from Ross Bennett. Above is the stunning yet affordable TD-309 with its "Tri-Balance suspension." This may have been the best-looking TT at the entire show.

Below that, we have a couple of VPIs: an HRX and a Classic. While I've never been a huge fan of the VPI sound, I'm hearing great things about the Classic and I'd love to give one a spin.

mbl at AXPONA

My sleeping room at the Sheraton Gateway was only a couple of doors down from the mbl room, and I was tempted to go down there, pound on their door and tell them, "Could you guys keep it down?" If you've ever seen mbl at an audio show, you know they like to crank the volume up to rave levels. Still, I'm a big fan of mbl products because they offer astonishing sound quality (albeit at astonishing prices). AXPONA was no different, and I was treated to several obscure pieces of music that were all emotional and downright bombastic, yet incredibly detailed and very listenable.

Audio Mercury/Supravox at AXPONA

I heard a lot of buzz about these little single-driver speakers from French audio company Supravox, which are currently being distributed by Audio Mercury. These little speakers are called the Carlas, and they're 95 dB efficient and feature a frequency response of 50-18,000 Hz.

Mated with a modest tube amplifier and a mid-fi Marantz CD player, they imaged like crazy and were able to sound realistic and dynamic while playing the Nojima Plays Liszt CD from Chesky. Even though they are diminutive in size, they are big in sound. I was even a little surprised that they retailed for only $1999.

Joseph Audio and Channel D Audio at AXPONA

I want to avoid awarding any kind of "Best Sound of Show" prize for this year's AXPONA show in Atlanta since there were so many great exhibits, but the most surprising sound I heard was from the Channel D room, which included the Joseph Audio Pulsar speakers. I reported on Jeff Joseph's new Perspective speakers back in January when he showed them at CES, and I felt they produced an excellent all-around sound. Well, the Perspectives won't be released into the high-end audio market until early this summer (Jeff says he's still finalizing the design of the pedestal on which the Perspectives will sit), but he did show off his wonderful Pulsar speakers.

The Pulsars are part of the same line as the Perspectives. While the Perspective is a floorstanding speaker with two woofers and a tweeter, the Pulsar is the one-woofer, stand mounted version using the same drivers and the same style of enclosure. (The Perspective will retail for about $11,800, and the Pulsars are currently $7000 a pair.) While that may sound like a lot for a pair of fairly small--albeit gorgeous--"bookshelf" speakers, you'll forget about the price tag when you hear the sound. Quite frankly, the Pulsars have the best low frequency response of any small speaker I have ever heard. They sound huge!

Jeff Joseph put up a black curtain behind the Pulsars, and I just had to look behind it to ensure there was no hidden subwoofer in the room. That's how big the Pulsars sound. These are really fantastic speakers in every way.

Jeff was also using a sweet-looking turntable from Artemis Labs, which I didn't get to hear. That's because the real news was the digital sources Jeff was using to show off the speakers for the folks at AXPONA. The Channel D Room was my first exposure to the Pure Vinyl software package they offer, which allows you to download analog files that sound identical to music flowing from a first rate analog rig. The software even shows a graphic of a spinning LP, and the grooves are actually accurate renditions of the tracks you find on a vinyl copy. It was also my first exposure to 384 Hz downloads, which sound absolutely pristine through the high frequencies. The Channel D software even won the Computer Audio Product of the Year award from Stereophile.

I spoke briefly to Rob Robinson about the Channel D services and products, and I promised him I would give the Pure Vinyl software a try. He's an extremely nice guy, and he supplied my favorite quote at Axpona while he delivered his seminar on downloading music: "We are stewards of our record collections. After we've gone, someone else will be listening to our LPs." This quote underlines the durability and desirability of vinyl LPs more than any other statement I've heard--I wish I'd said it!

To read more about Joseph Audio, check out their website at www.josephaudio.com. To find out more about Channel D and Pure Vinyl, check out www.channld.com.

National Record Store Day Fail

Yesterday was National Record Store Day, and for the second straight year the Vinyl Anachronist has failed to participate. I would use the excuse that I was busy at AXPONA yesterday, but there was plenty of great vinyl to be had. I planned on buying a copy of the MSFL pressing of Dead Can Dance's Into the Labyrinth, one of my favorite albums of all time. This new pressing is supposed to be an incredible improvement to an already great-sounding recording. There were two copies available at the Elusive Disc table, and I told myself to grab one as soon as I had a minute. I came back to the table with my credit card in hand, and they were gone.

I told myself to buy something at AXPONA, but alas...I'm back here in Kyle, empty-handed. I suck.

The Quotable Quill in Kyle, Texas...and AXPONA? You bet!

It's kind of a crazy connection, but my friend Christie Smith, owner of The Quotable Quill right here in Kyle, Texas, is responsible for all of that cool signage at AXPONA in Atlanta! Christie did a great job of getting the signs done quickly and at a great price. She's also the one who did our website at Blue Computer Solutions, which you can see at www.bluecomputerstexas.com.

If you need graphic design, web design or writing services (especially if I'm too busy to handle the latter!), check out Christie's services at www.quotablequill.com.

The Atlanta Audio Video Club Volunteers at AXPONA

This year's AXPONA show had one feature I thought was unique to audio shows in general: the local audiophile society had a huge part in pulling everything together. The Atlanta Audio Video Club volunteered to help with the event, and their members were all over the Sheraton helping attendees find their way to all of the events. The Sheraton is a huge hotel, and the A-VCOA volunteers made everything easier to navigate.

I spoke with John Morrison, the head of the A-VCOA, at length last night. (He's the one seated at the far left of the photo, and AXPONA founder Steve Davis is the one talking at right.) I have to admit that I saw John all over Axpona, talking to everyone in sight, and I kept wondering who he was. Well, John is one of those audiophiles who loves to talk about gear and music, and it was fun listening to him talk about his vision for AXPONA as well as A-VCOA.

First of all, A-VCOA has only been around since 2008, but they have 64 active members and many more as part of their mailing list. He even spoke to me about the possibility of guest memberships for people in the southeast US who may not be able to get down to Atlanta for the meetings. I think that's a great idea...the more audiophiles the better. John told me that the A-VCOA does more than just hang out and listen to music. They've designed a small two-way loudspeaker that the group uses as a reference to evaluate gear. They plan on designing a tube amplifier in the near future as well.

The A-VCOA's true motivation for volunteering for AXPONA is trying to attract more audio shows to that part of the country. They DEFINITELY want AXPONA to return to Atlanta next year, and I hope Steve Davis seriously considers it. Axpona was a genuine delight to attend, a truly friendly gathering that is a much-needed antidote to the all-business attitude at places like CES.

To find out more about the Atlanta Audio Video Club, check out their website at www.A-VCOA.org.

Stealing more Pics from AXPONA...

I stole the above photograph from Jon Catuccio, who runs the Stereolist.com website. I got to hang out with Jon quite a bit during AXPONA; I've been writing reviews for him over the last few weeks and it was great to put a face to the name. Jon's a fairly young guy, which gives me hope for the future of high-end audio. Like Lance Kimmons of the Austin HiFi Society, Jon is extremely knowledgeable about audio--much more so than when I was his age. Jon also loves a good Cuban cigar, which makes him aces in my book.

The above photo is of the YG Acoustics speakers. (His photos are much better than mine, so I'll use 'em.) YG earned a bit of consternatation among the audio industry when they first appeared a couple of years ago for saying they made "the greatest speakers in the world" in all of their ads. Usually this type of hyperbole is greeted with contempt because most knowledgeable audiophiles feel that there is no "best," only differences in preferences. Many attendees I talked to (along with a few of the bigwigs at Stereophile magazine) are starting to think there may be something to YG's claim.

I first heard the YGs at CES ealier this year, and I felt that they were definitely among the finest speakers I've heard. They sound so precise and so coherent throughout the frequency extremes that they are able to achieve an unbelievavble level of realism. Well, word has it that they've made a few modifications to the upper section of their speakers (the one with the midrange-tweeter-midrange array), and they're even better. While I don't think I prefer them to the slightly more organic and warm balance of the Trenner & Friedl Dukes, they certainly make a compelling case for themselves. The YG room was consistently the most crowded room at AXPONA, and for good reason.

This second photo, also from Jon, is a wider shot of the Audio Power Labs 833-TNTs I just blogged about. This will give you a better sense of the size of these BIG tube amps (although I still love Ross Bennett's more romantic shot of the massive, glowing tubes).

Audio Power Labs 833TNT amplifier at AXPONA

I've actually been wearing an Audio Power Labs t-shirt for a few months now without knowing who they were or what they do. Well, now I know. Audio Power labs makes one of the most beautiful, hefty and expensive tube amplifiers ever made. The price of a pair of these giant monoblock beauties is $150,000 or $175,000 (I heard both prices during AXPONA).

After an extended listening session with the TNTs, I have to admit that they recreated the essence of live music with uncanny precision. I know a handful of $10,000 amplifiers that play in the same ballpark as the TNTs, but they're shagging balls instead of playing in the starting lineup. With a piece of gear of this caliber, it's hard to determine if you're getting your money's worth unless you spend a lot of time listening to them, and ensure that you've hooked up the best possible system around them.

For what it's worth, I think they're pretty special.

Dean Peer seminar at AXPONA

I've met bass guitarist Dean Peer on several occasions, and yet I've never seen him play his bass live. "I'm really not that interesting to watch," he told me in San Diego a few months ago. "All of those crazy sounds you hear from my bass? They're all done through microscopic movements of my fingertips, so you don't really see much."

Well, I just watched Dean's AXPONA seminar where he discusses his complex recording techniques, his equipment configurations and even his background as a music teacher. And yes, he plays his bass. And no, he's very interesting to watch.

Dean is the first to admit that he's a shy person (isn't that stereotypical for bass players?), but his relatively quiet demeanor actually adds to the enjoyment of his presentation. In other words, he isn't an arrogant, in-your-face rock star who wants to talk about why he's as great of a musician as he is. Dean's response to questions about his unbelievable prowess with the bass guitar are thoughtful, modest and self-effacing. He's isn't reluctant to give credit to engineers and mixers, and to the complicated recording technology he sometimes employs to achieve those amazing sounds.

And then Dean plays. It's almost unnerving to watch the music explode from such minute movements of his fingers. Dean's performance is effortless but hardly uninteresting. The audience on hand, including me, was mesmerized by his performance.

Dean's repeating his seminar later today at AXPONA. If you're here and you're reading this, get on over and treat yourself to Dean's seminar.

Bergmann Magne turntable at AXPONA

I finally had a chance to listen to one of the Bergmann turntables from Denmark. These 'tables are revolutionary for having a "floating bearingless platter"...that's right, the outer platter is separated from an inner platter by air. The tangential-tracking tonarm is also an air-bearing design. That mean both the record and the stylus are floating in mid-air!

The cost for this technology is not cheap. The Sleipner, the most expensive of three Bergmann turntables, is $54,000. The lesser Bergmanns are both under $20,000. This is actually the Magne model, which retails for just $12,000.

While the overall look of the Bergmanns are generally conservative and not typical of the big TTs from companies such as Continuum, Goldmund, Rockport and Clearaudio. I actually prefer this streamlined, industrial look. It's no-nonsense, sturdy and serious.

The sound quality of the entire system, which included Ypsilon amplification and Acapella speakers, was quite impressive with an almost limitless sense of soundstage size and dynamics. This allowed me to hear deep, deep, deep into recordings.

The only down side was the use of some fairly scratchy records to demo the Bergmann (which, by the way, was using the excellent Dynavector XV-1 cartridge). The Bergmann is quite an accomplishment...show it off with some pristine LPs!

Michael Fremer's famous turntable setup presentation at AXPONA

Well, I can finally cross "attending Michael Fremer's turntable set-up clinic" off my bucket list. Can't say I learned much, since I'm the Vinyl Anachronist and I already know everything there is to know about TT setup.

NOT.

While the average vinyl lover would be shocked and dismayed at the amount of precision, patience and tools needed to properly align a cartridge, Michael Fremer is quick to point out that this level of meticulousness isn't expected if you're mounting a $200 cartridge on a $400 turntable. If you're about to mount a $5000 cartridge, however, you need to take the time to do it right. As Fremer said repeatedly while aligning a Lyra Titan cartridge on a Spiral Groove turntable, "it has to be done."

If you've never seen Fremer doing this in person, it's a treat. He also sells two DVDs on the subject: the first mirrors his clinic, and the second tours modern pressing plants. Highly recommended.

Oracle Audio at AXPONA

The first sound that's impressed me at the AXPONA show is from none other than Oracle Audio, makers of such legendary turntables as the Alexandria and the Delphi (which they are still making in a Mark VI version). Oracle has always been known for beautiful open-architecture turntables that look more like steel sculptures than record players, so I was a bit surprised by the conservative look of their new "entry level" turntable named the Paris.

At first look, the Paris looks like one of those Music Halls, Pro-Jects or Regas that have basic plinths that are available in a wide variety of bright colors. Only that unusual beveled corner let's you know something different is afoot. The carbon-fiber tonearm, in fact, reminded me of the one on the more expensive Pro-Jects-and that's because it is a Pro-Ject! Oracle takes these arms and adds their Micro Vibration Stabiliser system, which consists of a slicone damping bath and a "precision plunger." Oracle includes its own new aluminum-bodied cartridge with the Paris.

While I wasn't quite wowed by the looks of the Paris, I was floored by its performance. In almost every conceivable way this sounds like a big-dollar 'table, with its crisp, precise transient attacks, decay and soundstage depth. In a system consisting or Oracle amplification and huge Induction Dynamic speakers, I was treated to one great musical piece after another.

I thought I heard the gentleman demonstrating the system say that the Paris will cost $5000. I'm pretty sure, considering the way that the Paris is packaged, that this includes arm and cartridge. In that case, the Oracle Paris is a screaming deal and deserves your attention. If you want an Oracle that looks more like the classic versions of the past, you can still buy a Delphi Mk. VI for around $13,000. By the way, the plinths of the Paris are available in black, white, grey and white, all glossy and smooth.

AXPONA...before the show

Just got into Atlanta late last night. Had to take a train through the heart of the city to get downtown and to the Sheraton. A few minutes after I had checked into my room, I decided to meet with Colleen Cardas and get something to eat. After snacking on some appetizers at the bar, she wanted to show me the main set-up of the ballroom. When we got into elevator to the next floor, and young man joined us.

Suddenly, he turned to Colleen and said, "Colleen? Aren't you Colleen Cardas?"

"Yes," she replied.

"I'm Jon Catuccio!" he said excitedly.

Colleen looked at me and smiled, and I looked at her. I then smacked Jon on the shoulder and said, "Hi, I'm Marc Phillips. I work for you."

Yes, this is the same Jon Catuccio who runs Stereolist.com, the very same site that has been publishing my HDTrack reviews over the last weeks. Welcome to the world of working at home online!

Anyway, welcome to AXPONA! Here are a few pics I grabbed before the doors opened. Enjoy!

AXPONA Draws Near!

The Audio Expo North America Show, also known as AXPONA, is happening this weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. (The official dates are April 14 through 17.) I'll be there, reporting on what's turning out to be my first audio show since CES in January. I met with both Dean Peer and Colleen Cardas in Austin this morning just before they headed out. Colleen is helping to organize the event, and Dean will be holding a seminar.

I'll be blogging from the event, and hopefully I'll have a scoop or two. If you want to find out more, check out the AXPONA website at www.axpona.com. See you there!