Axpona 2019 show report - Bringing Hi-Fi Dreams to Reality

Clipdat

I'm excited to share my first article published on The Audio Beatnik website! It's about the top rooms that I experienced at Axpona this year: https://theaudiobeatnik.com/axpona-2019-bringing-hi-fi-dreams-to-reality/

Give it a read and let me know what you think!

BlueFox

Congratulations. Good job. I bet it was a lot of fun. Not sure if I like those red Von Schweikert speakers, but if they sound great I guess looks don’t matter.

displayname

I like the categories. Reality rooms and Dream rooms makes things much more digestible.

joecoulson

Great writing Drew. Congrats on your first publication!!

pglbook

Great job, Drew. I really liked how you objectively described the sound of a particular piece and also combined that with some personal impressions.

Just one caveat (with regard to the Volti room): how can a $31k amp/$10k preamp/$16k speaker system be in the Reality Room? It may be someone's reality but that is not MY reality, ha.

Congrats. Very nice writing.

vcwatkins

Well done, Clipdat!

Clipdat

pglbook wrote: »

Great job, Drew. I really liked how you objectively described the sound of a particular piece and also combined that with some personal impressions.

Just one caveat (with regard to the Volti room): how can a $31k amp/$10k preamp/$16k speaker system be in the Reality Room? It may be someone's reality but that is not MY reality, ha.

Congrats. Very nice writing.

Thank you for the positive feedback, and commentary on the inclusion of the Volti room in the reality category. As I mentioned in the article, I also hesitated to include it due to the high priced components. However, I ultimately decided to, as it was still a reality room in the context of the other rooms at the show. There were lots and lots of other rooms that were actually much higher priced and didn't sound as good, so in that regard I feel it still qualified.

But on a personal level, I tend to agree with your sentiment. $30k for an amplifier is quite a lot.

That said, it sure looks good!

kharp1

I, too, understand the "that's out of my reach" when it comes to some of these systems. However, having a job that pays me fairly well, and being single, I've found that price points I once thought excessive or out of reach seem now seem possible. Partly because I made that first jump off the "that's too expensive" cliff and found it was money well spent. You can help offset costs by buying smart and selling your hopefully well taken care of current gear.

This is a hobby and they cost money. They also give back to us in ways that sometimes can't be described. It's my therapy. That few minutes I get at the start of the day, to myself, where I shut everything else out and get myself in the proper frame of mind to face the world. What's that worth? That's something we each have to decide.

I know I like a good horn speaker with good tube amplification and Volti is one of the better horns I've heard. His cabinetry is also very nice. I've been looking on the pre-owned market, but, they just don't come up for sale. The Rival might be an option especially since size is critical in my space. I can bypass the electronics he uses and still get great sound, I've heard them sound great with lesser front end.

Heck, that's less than a new Harley (I know, bad example) or used convertible. When I put it in that context it didn't seem so out of reach.

displayname

kharp1 wrote: »

Heck, that's less than a new Harley (I know, bad example) or used convertible. When I put it in that context it didn't seem so out of reach.

This is the exact type of example I tell to friends that drive luxury cars and say "I could never afford a stereo like that"

maxward

I’ll be subscribing.

joecoulson

Any gear we own (us regs here on the forum) in possible future reviews?
Would love to see some PS gear get some love..

nooshinjohn

I would like to see a budget audiophile article or two discussing the ins and outs of building a top-notch setup through going with used gear....

joecoulson

That is a good idea ^

Clipdat

joecoulson wrote: »

Any gear we own (us regs here on the forum) in possible future reviews?
Would love to see some PS gear get some love..

I've been thinking all last week about different possibilities for the first gear review on the site. While Jack did mention me potentially reviewing a piece that's in my system currently, ultimately I think I will be unable to do that for various reasons.

Regarding the PS Audio Stellar gear, I've been using it now since February. Since it's been a part of my system for so long, it would be difficult to write an objective review simply because I haven't used any other amplifier for a long period of time. I have posted some thoughts on it here I believe, so I think it's generally known what I think of the performance of the Stellar Pre and S300.

I was also thinking about potentially writing about the Ruby or my new phono pre, but again faced similar hurdles. Since these things are already a part of my system, and have been for some time now, it's difficult to discern what characteristics they each contribute individually. They were purchased by me in order to elevate my system to a certain level. I believe now that I'm at that level, I have a reference and can now review new pieces that are sent to me by manufacturers.

In terms of reviewing in general, in my opinion, it has to be relevant to my own experiences thus far. As much as I would like to review the $9,000 Luxman L-590AxII, I feel that doing so would not be relevant. Putting something that expensive into my system would likely create an overly excited and arguably flawed review. Simply because it's priced so much higher than my current $2,800 pre & amp combo.

Of course I'd like to eventually get to the point of reviewing the higher end pieces, but I feel like I have to get there incrementally. Doing so gradually will allow me to fully appreciate and comprehend the more expensive product's performance once I do experience them.

kharp1

I see no issues with reviewing pieces you currently own so long as you put another piece in its place and then contrast and compare. Basically what I did with the Odyssey. I'd been so use to the Butler it had just become something I ws taking for granted. Putting the Odyssey in allowed me to fully appreciate the Butler anew.

Perhaps you can do what most reviewers do and ask if you can get a piece in to review. I'll loan you the Odyssey

Clipdat

I understand what you mean, but there's still some additional logistical considerations.

In the example you describe of how you compared the Odyssey to your Butler, it's more of a head to head or "vs." piece. Those would work, as long as the manufacturers involved agree to it ahead of time, and realize the gear will be put head to head against another component.

If a manufacturer provides me with a power amplifier for review and I do so, and then write another review later of my S300 "reference" amp and compare it favorably against the manufacturer's product, that would not go over well. Unless, like I said, they were aware ahead of time that their product was going to be pitted directly against another comparably priced product in a "shootout" type review.

There's just some additional things to consider now for articles that will be published outside of our forum.

Clipdat

kharp1 wrote: »

Perhaps you can do what most reviewers do and ask if you can get a piece in to review. I'll loan you the Odyssey

Appreciate the generous offer, and agree with your idea of a comparison to the S300 on a personal level. However, because it would be published on a reputable review website, it's possible that Odyssey or PS Audio might not want me putting "used" pieces in a review article.

For example, they don't know the exact history/condition of the unit being reviewed, so if it is actually defective in some way that would reflect poorly on their product and show in the listening experience. They could offer to ship a new unit for review, but then it goes back to some of the logistical concerns I described above.

Clipdat

I thought a head to head review of these similarly priced ($478.99 vs $499) speakers could be an interesting first review:

KLH Albany



vs

Wharfdale Denton 80

maxward

Good idea for a first review.

verb

nooshinjohn wrote: »

I would like to see a budget audiophile article or two discussing the ins and outs of building a top-notch setup through going with used gear....

I like that idea, as I am living it right now. Most of my gear is pre-owned, as I love a bargain, and have a hard time shelling out full retail for new gear.

Yeah it's a risk, you win some and lose some when it comes to used gear, but for me that's reality. Heck even my McIntosh is technically used, but NOS!

Is there a VAC, Electrocompaniet, Burmester, another EAR, you name it, in my future - sure! I keep looking for em in the used market!

Drew I like your approach on the reality aspect. I can dream, as others do, but then reality sits in. Lot's of possibilities out there, incrementally, on a budget!

Very nice to see (I again am living that dream) that excellent sounding systems can be put together and not break the bank or have the Mrs kick you out of the house!

Keep it going Drew! You're off to a great start!

verb

Only one objection, and I may lodge a protest to Beatnik, is that they used the wrong picture for the #1 Dream System! Should've use this one!

VR3

Is there money in reviewing used gear professionally? Just curious

Great recap of the show

kharp1

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to infer reviewing used gear, however, most reviews I've ever read did have a reference system that was, well, referred to. That reference system was used at that point. Maybe that's why I'm "tired" of the traditional review media...they are still prostrate before the industry. I've long since left those outlets behind preferring to gather info from other areas that don't have to be concerned where their funding is coming from.

VR3

Got it, I'm no wordsmith, applaud anyone who can do it!

voltz

verb wrote: »

Only one objection, and I may lodge a protest to Beatnik, is that they used the wrong picture for the #1 Dream System! Should've use this one!

Agree, what a cool pic! Rock On DREW!!! And good speed and the best of luck and or times!