Capital Audio Fest 2024

 

November 8 – 10, 2024: Arriving at this year’s CAF on Friday was uneventful, including registration, which was a breeze.  Volunteers at CAF always seem to be helpful and with a positive attitude. So, things were off to a good start.  As we made our way to various exhibits over several days, it was evident that this was another well-planned, organized, and implemented event. Although I didn’t hear this directly from Gary Gil, Mr. CAF, this year’s show had 125 exhibits and increased show participants. Fortunately, the weather was mild and not a factor, and everyone appeared to be in pretty good spirits, with lots of upbeat social interaction taking place.

 

Immediately after registration, I headed down one of the main corridors and visited 20/20 Evolution Systems, featuring a pair of beautiful, exotic, large Kharma speakers. Jay Truitt, owner of 20/20, was commanded by a small crowd of very interested patrons, so we could only chat briefly. As a longtime user of Kharma speakers myself, I expect high-quality sound whenever I’m in their presence. Jay quickly let me know that he had only received this pair of speakers recently and that they hadn’t had much play time before the show. I took that to mean that perhaps the sound wouldn’t be entirely at the ultimate performance level I had come to expect. Anyway, after quickly taking a seat, I was immediately impressed by the richly organic, big, open, clear sound with lots of texture.

Additionally, the sound was bold and dynamic. To my ears – this is part of the magic that Kharma speakers provide, being highly musical vs. analytic. The entire system consisted of the following components: Kharma Enigma Veyron 4D loudspeakers ($300,000 – US debut). These were powered by Conrad Johnson (CJ) tube electronics, including the Limited Edition ART-88 Pre-amplifier ($28,500) and ART-108A Class A Mono-Block power amps (Truitt Physics Edition), price unknown. These electronics were complimented with CJ ART Phono stage ($28,000), Kuzma Stabi Ref 2 Turntable ($14,000), Kuzma 4Point 11-inch tonearm ($10,600) and CAR-50 cartridge ($7,500). Additional components in the system included Taiko Music Server with Truitt Physics capacitors and silver wiring ($40,000), LampizatOr Horizon DAC 360, price unknown, and Siltech Master Crown cables (World debut)

 

My next stop was a somewhat abbreviated visit to the Convergent Audio Technologies suite. Whereas Ken Stevens, owner/designer (photo right), was totally engaged in conversation outside of the listening room, I slipped in and visited a bit with the always upbeat-mannered Michael Griffin, President of Essential Sounds Products (aka ESP). Just a quick bit of information: Ken and Michael have been working together for many years and typically partner for the various high-end audio shows that take place. In previous shows, Ken’s systems typically had various full-range speakers that were to good effect. Ken used a pair of Clarisys Audio Minuet ribbon speakers for this particular show. The sound was impressive overall, with a very high level of transparency and cohesive sound from top to bottom.

 

 

Moving on and right next door was the suite presented by Doug White, President of The Voice That Is. As in the past, this year’s exhibit was arranged in a very inviting style, nicely adorned with attractive plants and enhanced lighting effects. Doug has become known for his high-quality setups at shows, and this one was no different. As a bonus to my visit – I was able to reconnect with Jorn Janczak, Tidal founder, who was attending this year’s show.

In terms of the system, it always featured superb Tidal speakers and electronics. And with no surprise (for me, that is), the system had a purity of sound and one where the system disappears and gets out of the way of the music. Overall, this suite had a gorgeous sound for both vocals and instrumentals. Interestingly, the cabling for this system was top-of-the-line Turnbull Audio Prestige series. I had an opportunity to speak with the CEO and chief designer, Nathan Vander Stoep, specifically regarding his innovative approach to cable design. Based on what I learned through our discussion, as well as the overall performance of the system, I’m confident that from this show – we will be hearing more about these superb cables. A big ticket for everything in this beautiful system, and also, very importantly, simply put – it delivered on its promise.
Here’s the system configuration: Tidal Akira loudspeakers ($255,000), Tidal Bugatti MP1 Preamplifier ($125,000) and Bugatti MC1 Digital Controller ($125,000), world premiere, Dohmann Audio Helix One Mk3 Turntable ($70,000), SAT CF1 Tonearm (price varies), Air-Tight PC-1 Supreme cartridge ($12, 075), Tidal Audio Ferios Mono Block amplifiers, ($85,000), and cables by Turnbull Audio Prestige (price varies). Components were supported by the Harmonic Resolution Systems (HRS) EXRD Audio Stand ($11,000), and the electronics were connected to the Equi-Tech 2RQ – Balanced Power ($6,990).

The MBL room is always on top of its game. The MBL guys never disappoint, no matter what show they exhibit at.

 

A surprise occurred when I stopped in the Infigo Audio room, where the sound was quite impressive, including a big, wide, full, musically engaging sound. In this room – they were playing the beautiful wood veneer stand-mounted Alta Audio Aphrodite speakers ($50,000/pair). These were mated to a pair of Alta Audio Hades subwoofers ($5,000 each).
According to the equipment sheet provided – the digital music files were either stored on a streamer or streamed from Qobuz. Streamer was the Infigo Audio IS-1 Cyro ($7,000) with the Indigo Audio Sparkle series Cyrogen USB cable ($2000). DAC was the Infigo Audio Method 4 ($35000), which included the company’s Sparkle series Cryogen XLR cable ($3,750). The turntable was a VPI Avenger Direct Statement ($50,000) with a VPI Shyla cartridge ($2,000). The preamp was the Infigo Audio Method 7 model ($20,000) mated to the company’s Method 3 monoblocks ($55,000/pair). Subwoofer amps (2) were the company’s model MD-1 ($5,000/each). The speaker cable was the Infigo Audio Sparkle series Cyrongen SPK ($4,750 @ two meters).

 

 

 

In typical fashion – the GTT Audio exhibit had it going on and again with outstanding sound. Interestingly, they featured the wonderfully musical Vivid Audio Giya G3 Series 2 loudspeakers complemented by a bevy of excellent electronics and cabling. This system produced a musically captivating sound in all regards. It is very open with a deep sound stage, excellent full, deep bass, beautiful midrange, and extended high frequencies. Playing several selections from Ray Brown’s stellar recording titled Solar Energy and Steve Hobb’s recording titled Tribute To Bobby, the system revealed lots of juicy inner detail that was well integrated and flowed convincingly. The entire system included the following components: True Life Audio – TSI Signature hybrid tube preamp/solid state amp ($53,700), Master Fidelity NADAC C&D ($50,500) US Premiere, Vivid Audio Giya G3 Series 2 ($47,800), Auralic Audio Aries G2.2 ($6,100), Dejitter It Switch X ($3,500), Dejitter It WiFiX ($850), Kubala Sosna Elation! Cables (speaker, $8000; Interconnects, $8000; power cords, $2,350; Ethernet cable, $2,900; and Realization USB cable, $4,500).

 

 

 

The High End by Oz exhibit was breathtaking. Moreno and I paid multiple visits to ensure and validate what we were hearing each time, and it was a candidate for Best of the Show. The sound was hypnotic, clear, and transparent, with a deep sound stage including transients that were exact. The overall presentation of every song played was very emotional, projecting a sense of being there. Same with instrumentals as well.  Essentially, this was a killer system, with everything coming through accurately and authentically.

The system consisted of: Viva Audio Solista Stereo Amplifier ($30,000), Viva Audio Solista Preamp with external power supply ($32,500), Viva Audio Numerica D.A.C. ($26,000), Stenheim Alumine 5 S.E. Speakers ($76,500), Wolf Audio Systems Alpha 3 S.X. Music Server ($10,500), Albedo Silver Metamorphosis MKII and Signature Silver Cables ($10,000 – $32,500) and Albedo Silver Power Cords Gravity II and Gravity I ($9,250, $13,000), S.I.N. Audio PSD 10 Unlimited Power Distribution and P.C. Ten Ghost P.C. ($10,500).

 

 

 

The Von Schweikert exhibit (Room 1) was quite special and engaging and another candidate for Best Sound. Featuring their newly designed/ developed VR-30 loudspeakers with Foundation Hybrid Bass System – the music was powerful, full-bodied, harmonically rich, and full of natural textures for both vocals and instrumental. Dynamics flowed freely – top to bottom. Overall, it had a great sound. The system consisted of the following:

Von Schweikert VR-30 loudspeakers with Foundation Hybrid Bass System ($59,000), WestministerLab Quest v2 Pre Amp ($25,100), WestministerLab Rei Class A Monoblock Amplifiers ($33,900 pair), Lampizator Horizon 360 DAC ($62,000), Sonore Signature Rendu Streamer ($5,350), Small Green Computer i9 Music Server w/1 TB storage ($1,895), Master Built Ultra Loom cables (prices vary depending on length).

 

 

YG Acoustics Hailey 3 and Vinnie Rossi Electronics were perfect matches. The sound and cohesiveness produced by this setup created a wonderful sense of synergy from top to bottom, including the free-flowing and organic midrange with excellent musical color. In terms of the bass, the sound went deep with excellent control and articulation, as well as superb power and dynamics. Beyond this, there was a high degree of open, clear sound with a very extended top end. While playing various music, this system sang beautifully and yielded positive results each time. The newer, updated, and reimagined Haley 3 loudspeakers represent a significant advancement in performance compared to the original model and a significant cost increase. For sure – this was one of my favorite rooms at CAF.

Equipment in this system/room included the following: YG Acoustics Hailey 3 loudspeakers ($63,400), Vinnie Rossi Gen 2 Brama Integrated Amplifier ($47,995), Innuos Statement Music server, Innuos PhoenixNET network switch, Weiss Helios DAC, Audioquest Niagara Power Conditioner and Audioquest cabling and Vicoustics Diffusion Panels.

 

Another excellent sounding system was exhibited in the Bel Canto and YG Acoustics room. This room featured Bel Canto’s new innovative Black DAC Control System ($40,000) and the company’s new MA1200 Mono Power Amplifiers ($20,000 each). These electronics are derived from the company’s flagship Black System and are up to the task. Feeding the new YG Acoustics Sonja 3.3 loudspeakers ($146,800 pair), the sound covered the entire audio spectrum in a very articulate, detailed manner that interestingly never wavered from being spot-on musical. Despite the room being small for the speakers’ size, overall, this system was quite good and showed lots of potential for both products.  It was delightful indeed.

As the day(s) went by –, Mitch hung out with his main man, Bill Wells, who appeared to be catching a quick break from the action as they concluded their daily rounds (photo by Clement Perry, who just happened to be passing by). And yes, they had a great time overall despite the slow elevators and alternative stairs. Until we meet again….

Bill Wells and Moreno Mitchell

 

 

Clement Perry Reports on the CAF…

Where did the time go? I didn’t know I hadn’t been to an audio show since 2019! I do admit I missed walking the halls at this year’s CAF. Five years didn’t seem so long, considering how much has changed since the 2020 Pandemic. Seeing all the new brands, distributors, manufacturers, and showgoers doing what they love was inspiring.  The CAF either grew tremendously, or I simply forgot how enormous it was. I admit attempting to capture all there was to see on my camera felt somewhat intimidating. But within a few hours, I was right back into the swing of it. I obviously didn’t see everything I had hoped for, but I got some of my favorite rooms. Here’s what I enjoyed the most this year….

Ultimately, it’s the people at this year’s festival who made this show a success.

Part-time Audiophile Scot Hul was in the usual good form alongside another famous showgoer, The Sarge!

Finally, I got the chance to meet ArgentPur’s Ernest Meunier. We’ve reviewed his cables and will have his new digital amplifiers arriving soon. Stay tuned!

The consummate setup man, Norman Varney of A/V RoomService Ltd, was busy at this year’s CAF.

I caught Jeff Smith of Silversmith Fidelium cable (left) enjoying the show with Morneo Mitchell and Bill Wells.

 

Finally, I met Dr. Lubomir Dosta of M101 Audio Cable fame. He’s such a quiet and modest human being who designs an excellent (Hypernova) series of cables.

 

Each time I returned to this suite, the room was packed. I heard interesting things about these AGD solid-state-based tube-like sounding components.

 

Scot Walker Audio and Synergistic Research put on the usual series of demos, but this year, featuring the Synergistic Vibatron ($3,995) and their new SRX Powercell AC conditioner ($59,995). The room was located on the 8th floor, which meant the room was going to be smaller and perhaps more real-world. Outside of the Von Schweikert VR-30s that were driven by JMF electronics that included their Prs.1.5 pre ($39,000) and model 6002 dual mono amplifier ($45,000), this room featured an all-Synergistic Research system. That included their new Synergistic Research Vodoo Streamer/Server ($14,995), Ethernet Switch ($2,295), and Network Router ($2,995) plugged into an Abendrot Colt DAC ($53,000).

Ted Denney’s problem was trying to convince me that the sound was worse when he turned off the Vibatron or that new monster Powercell. Either turned off or left on, the sound was really impressive, as it should be. YES, there was a difference in terms of breadth, width, and dimension when the Vibatron was removed, but it still performed damn well without it. Being a true tweaker, I told Denney and my old friend Arnold Martinez (photo right), who’s now the VP of Sales for SR, that I would LOVE to play with that Vibratron at home. Shucks, I even like the name!

 

 

 

The Bayz Audio Courante 2.0 ($47,00 to $69,00) was powered by the Burmester 218 Reference Line Stereo amplifier ($50,000) and Burmester model 088 Top Line preamplifier while the Aurender N20 and Berkeley Audio Design’s Alpha DAC ($28,000) kept the digital going super smooth. I finally got a chance to hear these most unusual loudspeakers with equipment that proved synergistic in terms of delivery because this room sounded quite musically engaging. I like the way the Bayz integrate into the room. Different from other omnidirectional in that they maintain a tighter focus of the soundstage. In fact, it kept me listening when I needed to keep moving, as time was of the essence. Shunyata Research Omega cables, including their Denali AC conditioner ($7,000), were noticeable throughout.

 

 

Like Bill and Moreno, I, too, got a quick listen to the GTT Audio and Video suite but got the chance to listen to the US premiere of the Master Fidelity NADAC Clock & DAC ($50,500). The company was formally named Merging Technologies and revamped into Master Fidelity in the spring of 2024. To learn more about this, I perused their website. I’ve never heard the Vivid Audio loudspeakers sound bad, so I don’t know what contributed to the stellar performance of this room, but I’ll go so far as to state that this room sounded among the best I have heard at this show. That’s saying a lot, considering there were quite a number of rooms (many bigger and more expensive), yet few equaled the overall balance, speed, and musicality of this setup.

 

 

Grandinote’s designer, Massimiliano Magri, put on a handsome display of supersonic performance in their suite that featured the new Mach 8 XL (crossoverless and 98dB efficient!) loudspeakers ($30,400), driven by the new Grandinote Solo integrated ($20,000). Knowing Magri for over 10 years, I sat in awe when I heard what he could do at real-world prices that included a newer implementation of his Magnetosolid technology (read more about it here). Using Kimber Kable throughout, the sound was enormous but never overly or intrusive. The ease behind the Mach 8 XL’s dynamic expression is horn-like in both sensitivity and scope. Bravo Massimilano!

 

Once again, to reiterate what Bill and Moreno mentioned in their report, the Steinheim/Viva suite was wafer delicate and weighty where it needed to be. This system came across as incredibly musical despite all the distractions. Wow!

 

 

The Bending Wave – Jackson suite had lots of eye candy on display. I am familiar with Riviera Audio Labs electronics after they impressed many of us at previous Munich shows. On display here were their APL-01SE pre ($51,995) and AFM-100SE ($82,800) monos channeling the new and affordable Wadax Studio Player ($39,800). The Gobel Divin Comtesse loudspeakers ($60,00) provided a level of playback that was invitingly detailed, rich, and utterly musical. Shunyata Theta cables and their Denali AC conditioner were present throughout.

 

Alex Siufy, Alma Audio’s east coast setup pro, produced a standout performer using Vinnie Rossi’s new Brama Gen2 monoblocks ($60,000 pr) and Vinnie Rossi Brama preamp ($39,000) on the Steinheim Alumine 5Se ($76,000) using Kubala-Sosna Realization cabling throughout. I noticed the MSB digital stack used as a source but really paid more attention to the music reproduction coming out of this suite. The Brama Gen2 monos are solid-state (A/B). At the same time, the Brama pre is an all-tube design (using a matched pair of Western Electric 300Bs). Though very different from the Steinheim/Viva suite, this was just as outstanding for me, especially considering the locale.

 

 

Luxury Audio Group

 

This newest product hails from the youngest Chesky, David’s son. Introducing the LC1 Bookshelf Monitor ($980 pair – that had no business producing the quality of sound it did. I was so stunned by the sound quality/price/performance that I didn’t even look at the electronics. The Chesky Website reads: The Ultimate Hi-Fi Bookshelf speaker is crafted to set a new standard in sound quality. Using a high-density polymer cabinet, the LC1 embodies the sound of a speaker 10 times its size. Amaze yourself with this ultimate listening experience. Remarkable indeed!

I’ve always been fascinated by horns and couldn’t help being drawn into this suite. I don’t know much about this transducer or the electronics, but I thought it did sound good despite overwhelming the room due to its size.

The Global Intelligence Planning Laboratory (GIP) hails from Japan, and I though too big for this small upstairs space, I found it to be quite an involving sound.

 

It was very nice catching up with John McDonald, chief designer of Audience, and having another chance to hear his remarkably musical ClairAudient monitors.

 

 

I ran into my old friends from Fidelis Audio of Walter Swanbon and Dwight Dimartino on the 6th floor (Room 649). Here they showed off the mighty miniature Falcon Gold Badge LS3/5A ($3950) and the larger Falcon M30 Classic BBC Sound monitors ($6000) being driven by the all-tubed Lab12 electronics that included the Lab12 (Pure Class A, 25 watts), Single Ended Tube stereo amp, Lab 12 Pre1 ($2400), Lab12 DAC 1 (non-oversampling DAC with Tube Output Stage, $3300), Lab12 Suono ($3500) and Lab 12 Gordian power Conditioner ($2500). We have grown quite fond of the ArgentPur cables and were introduced to this novel new brand by Swanbon. It was nice to sit down and enjoy a system that wasn’t physically overwhelming both in size and cost. The sound was invitingly sweet and airy with speed and the right amount of musicality.

Some of the sights and sounds captured at this year’s CAF.

NJ Audio Society board member Mark Block and friends were enjoying themselves at this year’s CAF.

It was nice catching up with the NJ-based audio designer of AMPED America, Boris Meltsner. I noticed some newer models of his Acoustique Quality series loudspeakers that we reviewed back in 2022.

 

 

 

Brooklyn-based audio manufacturer Greg Belman proudly showed off his latest Bache Audio model 103 loudspeaker ($4600). He and his long-time partner and brilliant designer, Alex Choren of Alexus Audio, greeted me in their typical deep Russian accent. It felt so good to see these two still showing their wares and gaining momentum with excellent quality components at real-world prices.

 

Bache Audio’s Greg Belman

 

 

I was also excited to have a good listening seat in the Volti Audio suite to hear their new Volti Audio Lucera horn loudspeakers ($11,750). The Cary Audio SLI-80 ($4,995), being fed digitally via a Innuous ZENith music server and Mojo audio DAC, handled the 99dB efficient Lucera’s with aplomb.

 

 

Tim Lucas of the NH-based Matterhorn Audio Group really took this event to new sonic heights. This year featured the new iteration of the large Reference Kroma Atelier’s TURANDOT loudspeaker ($288,000). Sitting right beside this behemoth was the Kroma Atelier’s THAIS ($24,000), which more than stood its ground against its much more expensive big brother.  This modest 2-way floorstander produced an incredibly wide soundstage against a very small footprint. This was a huge suite and maybe too much for both loudspeakers in terms of room acoustics. That being said, I was impressed with the overall performance of the Kroma brand, as it is fast and clean yet keeps a musical stance no matter the source. I await another listening opportunity in a more conventional-sized room (imagine that). Electronics included the Linn Klimax DSM Organik ($42,000), Linn Solo monoblock amplifiers ($90,000 pair), Aavik C-880 preamplifier ($70,000), and Aavik R-580 phono stage ($25,200), while the Technics SL-1000-R turntable ($19,999) spun the vinyl.

 

 

Finally got the opportunity to hear the BACCH purifier system after experiencing it in my own home. Since I have the more affordable 4Mac system ($8,000), I can attest that it does all that it purports and then some. I’m challenged to write a review, so stay tuned, but do know this: I’ve had a long-time experience going all the way back to Ralph Glasgal’s Ambiophonics-based system in the late 1990s. Unfortunately, it proved too gimmicky for my tastes back then, and as a result, I never gave the BACCH system a fair try (without ever hearing it). Regretfully, I remembered walking past Professor Edgar Choueiri’s suite at the Munich High End back in 2016 or thereabouts, believing it was some facsimile of Ambiophonics.

I was so wrong.

After talking with David Chesky about the quality of the BACCH, he insisted it could perform like nothing I’ve ever heard. That was enough of an endorsement for me to contact Professor Edgar Choueiri and invite myself to his Princeton University Space Lab for a personal listening session (yes, professor Choueiri is a real plasma physicist). Both Dan Secula and I met with the good professor, got a tour of his lab, and then got an invitation to his home for a listening session. Dan and I were impressed, but not overly so until we got the unit into our respective systems. All I will state here for the record is that I’ve not experienced anything quite as exciting and, as room and mind-expanding as this new BACCH technology. A review is in the works.

Bill Wells and Bliss Hifi’s Minnesota-based dealer Juan Charvet admired the BACCH system and its technological advances for two-channel audio. The BACCH so enamored Charvet that he’s become a dealer for the BACCH SP. We both concluded it’s the real deal and should be on any music lover’s shortlist this holiday season.